Solicitors withdraw services at Portlaoise District Court over proposed legal aid fee changes
Solicitors have been seeking engagement from the Department of Justice
A number of Laois solicitors withdrew their services and walked out of a sitting of Portlaoise District Court earlier today.
The move marks an escalation in an ongoing action over the proposed introduction of a flat legal aid fee from July 1.
Solicitors say the proposed new €455 legal aid flat fee payment is unworkable and will drive solicitors out of criminal law. The flat fee, which is payable on the conclusion of a case, is due to replace the current system of an initial €240 payment with €60 per appearance thereafter, from July 1, 2026.
Solicitors say the Department of Justice is trying to force the new fee regime on them without any consultation. They claim the new system will be unworkable and result in fees being slashed.
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Laois solicitors practicing at Portlaoise District Court today outlined their reason for withdrawing services to the Judge before leaving the courtroom. The solicitors who withdrew their services included Barry Fitzgerald, Philip Meagher and Josephine Fitzpatrick.
It’s understood the majority of cases which were due to be dealt with at the court are being adjourned to other dates.
Solicitors across the country met at the Law Society of Ireland headquarters last week to discuss the proposed legal aid changes. They are unhappy with the proposed changes and in particular., what the say is the lack of consultation from the Department of Justice.
Solicitors at court sittings across the country have been withdrawing their services in response to the proposal. A withdrawal of services took place at a number of courts yesterday including at Tullamore District Court. Solicitors who are taking part in the action are also refusing to attend special court sittings or to provide representation to people who are in Garda custody.