A significant agreement has been reached between Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan TD and the Law Society of Ireland, bringing an end to the long-running dispute over criminal legal aid payments in the District Court.
The agreement, announced on 10th November 2026 following extensive discussions, addresses concerns raised by solicitors regarding lengthy court proceedings and separate criminal cases heard on the same day.
Under the revised arrangements, the single flat-fee payment system will remain in place, replacing the previous payment structure based on court appearances. The practice of issuing multiple legal aid certificates for separate cases involving the same accused will also come to an end.
However, important adjustments have been agreed to ensure additional payments in certain circumstances.
Key changes include:
Enhanced payments for separate and distinct criminal cases involving two or more charges brought before the court on the same day.
Higher single flat-fee payments for domestic violence cases, juvenile cases and cases involving accused persons held in custody before trial.
Retention of the flat-fee model, with no return to the previous system of multiple legal aid certificates.
Minister O’Callaghan welcomed the agreement, emphasising that the central reforms introduced in July would remain in place to promote greater efficiency, fairness and cost-effectiveness within the criminal justice system.
He also thanked Department officials and the Law Society for their efforts in resolving the dispute and expressed hope that solicitors who had withdrawn their services would now return to work.
The agreement marks an important development for Ireland’s criminal justice system, seeking to balance the need for efficient public spending with fair remuneration for legal professionals and continued access to legal representation.
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