Mayo TD calls for talks to break criminal legal aid deadlock

PEOPLE in Mayo could find it increasingly difficult to access legal representation when they need it, Mayo TD Keira Keogh has warned after meeting with Mayo solicitors Catherine McDarby and Gary Mulchrone to discuss changes to the criminal legal aid system in the District Court.

During the meeting, the local solicitors outlined their dissatisfaction with the revised arrangements and highlighted the challenges they believe the changes will create for practitioners, particularly those working in rural counties such as Mayo.

The changes came into effect on July 1 and bring in a flat fee payment per client. Under the previous system, a solicitor was paid for each court appearance by a single person, starting at €239.38 for the first appearance and then €59.86 for each subsequent hearing. The new system replaces that with a €520 flat fee regardless of how many times a case returns to court.

Concerns were raised about the sustainability of providing criminal defence services, the potential impact on recruitment and retention within the profession, and the consequences for people who need legal representation.

Particular concern was expressed about the situation in Mayo, which is increasingly becoming a criminal legal aid desert, with fewer solicitors willing or able to take on this essential work. That could leave people waiting longer to find a solicitor to represent them, travelling further from home for legal advice, or struggling to access justice when they need it most.

Said Deputy Keogh: “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to engage with those who work on the frontline of our justice system here in Mayo. They shared with me the serious concerns they have about the recent changes to criminal legal aid, and the immediate and future effects these measures could have on the provision of legal services in Mayo.

“Everyone deserves access to legal representation, regardless of where they live, or how much money they have. That principle cannot be weakened.

“Mayo is already facing significant challenges in maintaining access to criminal legal aid services. We cannot allow the county to become a criminal legal aid desert where people struggle to access legal representation when they need it most.”

Deputy Keogh acknowledged the importance of ensuring that any reforms to the system are developed in consultation with practitioners.

“Access to justice isn’t just about the courts. It’s about making sure that when someone finds themselves in the justice system, there is actually a solicitor available to represent them,” she said. It is vital that solicitors who undertake this essential work are heard in discussions relating to these changes.

“There is currently an impasse between the minister and solicitors on this issue. I believe it is in everyone's interest that meaningful engagement takes place. Talking is the only way through this dispute, and I am urging the minister to engage directly with the profession to find a workable solution that protects access to justice while addressing the concerns that have been raised.”

Deputy Keogh committed to raising the concerns expressed with the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan.

“I will be bringing the issues raised at this meeting directly to Minister O'Callaghan's attention because Mayo people deserve confidence that if they ever need legal representation, it will be available.

“Reforms must protect both access to justice and the long term sustainability of legal services in rural Ireland.”