Court gridlock continues in Mayo as solicitors escalate strike action

There was further disruption at courts in Mayo this morning due to escalated solicitor strike action.

13 criminal cases were listed at a special sitting of Ballina District Court heard before Judge Deirdre Gearty this morning.

However, no cases proceeded due to the dispute between solicitors and the Minister for Justice over a new payment scheme for criminal legal aid introduced in July. Solicitors have escalated their action to withdraw all services as part of the ongoing standoff with Minister Jim O'Callaghan.

A number of local solicitors had sent correspondence to the court or to the Gardaí to say they would not be present in court due to the withdrawal of services. Barrister Diarmaid Connolly told the court he was present only as a courtesy to the court and had no instructions from his clients due to the ongoing situation.

Court presenter Insp Naomi De Rís indicated the state had both Garda and civilian witnesses present and were ready to proceed with 5 of the cases that were listed. Judge Gearty said while the situation is ongoing, it would be “unsafe to proceed” with the hearings in these circumstances and adjourned all matters out to courts in November.

In six of the cases, there was no appearance made by a defendant.