Disgruntled barristers in Longford protest over Criminal Legal Aid fees
The normally busy Longford Circuit court room was very quiet on Tuesday with the benches reserved for barristers and solicitors both empty.
The cases listed for hearing at Longford Circuit Criminal Court were adjourned due to barristers’ industrial action.
The scheduled weekly sitting of Longford District Court did proceed.
In relation to the withdrawal of services by the Bar of Ireland on October 3, a Courts Service spokesperson stated;”In the absence of legal representatives for any reason, it is open to each court and judge to adjourn a matter to another date.”
Criminal barristers withdrew their service nationwide as part of a campaign led by The Bar of Ireland to secure restoration of fees paid by the State.
Criminal barristers say they have suffered a pay cut in real terms of more than 40% over the past twenty years while every other sector working in the criminal justice system has seen pay restoration implemented.
Sara Phelan SC, Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland, said: "The criminal bar is haemorrhaging junior barristers– up to two thirds of barristers who commence practice in the criminal courts leave the criminal bar after 6 years.
“We’re feeling the effects of this already, with reports of cases being held over because counsel can’t be secured to attend.
While this matter impacts unfairly on our profession, it will also have a detrimental effect on those who have cause to engage with the justice system.”
Ms Phelan continued, "Whether you are a victim of crime, or stand accused, you are entitled to expect that you will have appropriate access to justice.