Why are criminal defence solicitors refusing legal aid work?

The dispute between the justice minister and criminal defence solicitors is leaving some accused people without legal representation

Criminal courts in turmoil as legal aid dispute leaves some accused without representation.

The criminal courts have been in turmoil over the past few months as a dispute between justice minister Jim O’Callaghan and criminal defence solicitors who work for legal aid clients has spilled into courtrooms.

Those accused of a crime are appearing in court with nobody to advise them, cases are being put on the long finger, and judges and rights organisations are beginning to speak up about the lack of justice for vulnerable people.

Irish Examiner news reporter Grainne Ni Aodha has been covering the story and is today’s guest on the Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast.