Cork Solicitors Resign from Criminal Legal Aid Panel Over New €520 Flat Fee
Solicitors in Cork have resigned from the criminal legal aid panel after Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed a new €520 flat fee. This has caused case backlogs and nationwide resignations, with the Law Society warning of a devastating impact on access to justice.
A number of solicitors in Cork have resigned from the criminal legal aid panel following Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan’s confirmation of a new €520 flat fee, effective Wednesday. Solicitors made statements to judges at the circuit, central, and district courts in Cork today.
Solicitor Tom Coughlan informed Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford at the Central Criminal Court that he and others had no option but to resign. He confirmed his resignation to the justice minister. This dispute, which began earlier this month, has led to solicitors appearing in court but unable to act for clients, causing a significant backlog in cases, with many adjourned daily at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
Law Society President Rosemary Loftus warned on Tuesday that solicitors nationwide are resigning from the criminal legal aid scheme due to these changes, predicting a devastating impact on access to justice. O’Callaghan had increased the proposed flat fee from €455 to €520 after thousands of District Court cases were adjourned due to solicitor protests. Currently, solicitors receive around €240 for a first appearance and €60 for subsequent sittings.