Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
692. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeframe for the restoration of criminal legal aid fees in respect of practicing criminal solicitors and barristers in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51515/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, contains a commitment to reform the operation of the criminal legal aid system and fully restore criminal legal aid fees. Over the past two years, there has been an 18% increase in the fees paid to barristers and solicitors under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.
This year’s budget for criminal legal aid included an 8% increase in fees from 1 January 2025 in addition to a 10% increase in fees secured in Budget 2024. It is my aim, as part of this year's budget negotiations, to make further progress on fully restoring criminal legal aid fees.
