Legal aid challenge back before courts

A legal challenge to the Government's controversial overhaul of the criminal legal aid payment system is due to return before the High Court today (Thursday), July 9.

Solicitor John Quinn of Dublin-based John M Quinn & Co Solicitors is seeking to have the new regulations quashed. The proceedings were before the court on Tuesday, July 2.

The judicial review, Quinn v Minister for Justice, challenges a statutory instrument signed by the Minister for Justice, which replaces the long-standing District Court criminal legal aid payment model with a single flat fee of €520 per case.

A trial date before the end of the month is being sought. If that is not achievable, it is understood Mr Quinn intends to apply for a stay on the ministerial order pending the determination of proceedings.

The new regulations have prompted widespread opposition across the legal profession. Courts across the country, including Cavan and Monaghan, have been disrupted after solicitors on criminal legal aid panels withdrew their services in relation to bail matters. Custody matters have proceeded.

Last week, solicitors in Cork and Mayo resigned from their respective legal aid panels. Meanwhile, practitioners in Cavan are also due to meet today (Thursday), July 9, to decide whether to take similar action.