Justice Minister Mr Jim O’Callaghan announces more Efficient Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.
- One fee for representation from beginning to end of a case.
- Reform of criminal legal aid and restoration of fees fulfils Programme for Government commitment.
- Implementation on 1st July, 2026.
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Mr Jim O’Callaghan has today (24th February) informed the Government of his proposals to reform the criminal legal aid fee structure in the District Court. The reform will lead to greater efficiencies in the District Court and a more sustainable Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.
Minister O’Callaghan is proposing that one flat fee will be paid for representation from beginning to end of a case. This will remove the link between payments and the number of appearances, or legal aid certificates granted.
The proposal fulfils the Programme for Government commitment to reform criminal legal aid and the restoration of fees. Restoration of fees will commence from 1st July 2026.
Engagement with the Law Society of Ireland and relevant stakeholders will continue in advance of implementation on 1st July 2026.
Minister O’Callaghan said; “My department reviewed more than 350,000 District Court cases which took place during 2022 and 2023. The reform I am announcing today aims to address structural issues identified during this review, such as unnecessary adjournments resulting from the payment per appearance model.
I have informed Government of my proposal to replace the existing fee structure with one flat fee. This will be payable regardless of the number of appearances, multiple certificates for cases heard together, or number of accused represented.
This reform will lead to a more efficient system by reducing unnecessary adjournments. It will also simplify the administration of criminal legal aid, resolve cases sooner, and ensure practitioners are remunerated fairly.”
While the volume of criminal cases in the District Court has decreased, expenditure on criminal legal aid has nearly doubled; from €19 million in 2015 to €37 million in 2024.
The proposed payment of one fee for cases in the District Court will:
- Encourage earlier case resolution.
- Reduce administrative burden.
- Support more efficient court sittings.
- Ensure fair remuneration for practitioners.
As stated, there will be extensive engagement over the coming months with key stakeholders, including legal professionals, in advance of its implementation on 1 July 2026.
Leave a Reply