Optimism at Trim Court that legal aid fee row can be resolved

Optimism was sounded that an end might be in sight in the dispute between solicitors and the Minister for Justice in regard to the new legal aid scheme.

The dispute centres on a flat fee payment in district court cases to solicitors of €520, regardless of the number of court representations, which was introduced at the start of July.

Since then, solicitors across the country and in Meath have withdrawn their services, which has resulted in a big disruption in courts, with litigants left unrepresented and a large number of cases being adjourned.

With the new legal year to begin this week, and sessions of the Criminal Circuit Court to commence, including in Trim on 20th October, a renewed call was made by the President of the Law Society for the Minister to agree to the appointment of a mediator in the dispute.

The result of a legal challenge taken by a solicitor to the new scheme is expected on 13th October.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan expressed hope at Trim District Court on Thursday that the dispute would be “sorted within two weeks.”

A local solicitor said the profession hoped a result will be known on 13th October, and hopefully things “will move forward.” Mr Maurice Regan said “fingers crossed. All we want to do is get back (to work).”