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Mullingar District Court sees mass adjournment of criminal legal aid cases as solicitors withdraw services over fee dispute. Judge Patricia Cronin explains the situation to unrepresented defendants and grants legal aid certificates while the strike continues.
At Mullingar District Court, Judge Patricia Cronin adjourned the cases, noting the effect of the withdrawal of services. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish TimesDozens of criminal legal aid cases were adjourned at a midlands district court on Thursday due to the withdrawal of services by criminal solicitors involved in theongoing dispute over payment rates for free legal aid work.
The standoff, triggered by Justice Minister Helen McEntee's introduction of a flat €520 fee per case via statutory instrument, has left many defendants without representation - some unaware of their right to legal aid. The confusion was evident as several unrepresented defendants, including non-nationals, appeared before the judge, who explained the free legal aid scheme and granted certificates where appropriate.
The dispute, which began in September, has seen widespread participation but appears to be weakening in some regions, with solicitors returning to work in counties like Clare and Laois while others continue the strike. The judge emphasized that despite the strike, the court remains obligated to assess eligibility for legal aid and ensure defendants' constitutional rights are protected, even if solicitors are not yet assigned
Criminal Legal Aid Solicitors Strike Mullingar District Court Free Legal Aid Judicial Proceedings
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