Taoiseach dismisses call for mediator in criminal legal aid dispute

Micheál Martin says direct engagement is the ‘best’ way to resolve row over new €520 flat fee

Law Society’s call for an independent mediator Most criminal defence solicitors are continuing to withdraw services over the changed system, which saw a single flat fee of €520 introduced on July 1st, regardless of the number of court appearances.

Loftus said she was “surprised” to hear O’Callaghan say last week that the criminal courts were running “effectively”. She said “the current impasse is having a profound impact on the administration of justice” across the country, and added she believed there is “merit in considering the appointment of an independent mediator”. Asked if an independent mediator was the best option to deal with the dispute, he said: “No, I think direct engagement is always the best.

”He said it was not for him to “decide what the best process to put in place is”, but added: “It’s clear that any dispute or disagreement ends in engagement, and I think it’s in everybody’s interest. Harris said he supported O’Callaghan’s efforts to “try and reform” criminal legal aid, adding that solicitors also recognise the need for reform.

In July, O’Callaghan introduced a single flat fee for solicitors taking on legal aid cases – replacing a system where they had been paid per appearance. A large number of solicitors on the criminal legal aid panel withdrew their services as a result of the move, leading to disruption in the district courts. The Law Society said it “remains committed to engaging constructively” in seeking a “sustainable criminal legal aid system”.

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