Dispute halting Mayo court sittings is moving closer to a resolution

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has confirmed he is examining whether he can increase the new set fee of €455 for solicitors for criminal legal aid work, RTÉ News is reporting.

The legal system has ground to a halt over the past two weeks around the country as court cases have been adjourned after criminal defence solicitors withdrew their services in protest at proposed changes to how they are paid.

Currently, a solicitor is paid for each court appearance, starting at €239.38, and then €59.86 for each subsequent hearing.

From 1 July, a new set fee of €455 will be payable regardless of how many court appearances there are - removing the link between payments and the number of appearances for solicitors.

Speaking on RTÉ's This Week programme, Mr O'Callaghan said the new fee will still come into effect on Wednesday but he will look to see whether he can increase it.

The circuit court in Mayo is due to sit next week.