The Law Society of Ireland has welcomed comments from the High Court urging the parties involved in the Criminal Aid Scheme dispute to reach a resolution outside the courts.

 

This follows significant concerns expressed by the Chief Justice, who said that the continuation of the dispute between criminal defence solicitors and the Department of Justice was a matter of concern to all judges.

 

Concerns among solicitors regarding changes to the Criminal Aid Scheme have led to major disruption to court services across the North West.

 

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that victims of serious crime in Donegal are among those in several counties who could face further delays as criminal defence solicitors extend their withdrawal from legal aid work into the new court term.

The dispute centres on a new flat-fee system introduced by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, which solicitors say makes some complex cases financially unworkable.

Solicitors have threatened to protest in a number of counties, including Donegal.

Amanda Connelly is the vice-chair of the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee:

The Law Society of Ireland has welcomed comments from the High Court urging the parties involved in the Criminal Aid Scheme dispute to reach a resolution outside the courts.
&nbsp;
This follows significant concerns expressed by the Chief Justice, who said that the continuation of the dispute between criminal defence solicitors and the Department of Justice was a matter of concern to all judges.
&nbsp;
Concerns among solicitors regarding changes to the Criminal Aid Scheme have led to major disruption to court services across the North West.
&nbsp;
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that victims of serious crime in Donegal are among those in several counties who could face further delays as criminal defence solicitors extend their withdrawal from legal aid work into the new court term.
The dispute centres on a new flat-fee system introduced by Minister for Justice Jim O&rsquo;Callaghan, which solicitors say makes some complex cases financially unworkable.
Solicitors have threatened to protest in a number of counties, including Donegal.
Amanda Connelly is the vice-chair of the Law Society&rsquo;s Criminal Law Committee:

Broadcasting to Sligo, North Leitrim and South Donegal.
North West Business Park, Collooney, Ireland
102.5-105FM

Text/WhatsApp us on 00353 83 3500 530 
Telephone 00353 818 365 500 / 00353 71 91 18100 (9am to 6pm Mon to Fri)

Ocean FM is a multi award winning local radio station that broadcasts to the Northwest of Ireland. The station covers the area of South County Donegal, North County Leitrim and County Sligo.

The current CEO of the station is Niall Delaney and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) lists their target audience as 'being all age, socio-economic and ethnic groups across the community'. The station currently employs 22 full-time and 30 part-time staff.

Ocean FM News Reports

Broadcasting to Sligo, North Leitrim and South Donegal.
North West Business Park, Collooney, Ireland
102.5-105FM

Text/WhatsApp us on 00353 83 3500 530 
Telephone 00353 818 365 500 / 00353 71 91 18100 (9am to 6pm Mon to Fri)

Ocean FM is a multi award winning local radio station that broadcasts to the Northwest of Ireland. The station covers the area of South County Donegal, North County Leitrim and County Sligo.

The current CEO of the station is Niall Delaney and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) lists their target audience as 'being all age, socio-economic and ethnic groups across the community'. The station currently employs 22 full-time and 30 part-time staff.