Solicitors continue to withdraw services in Mayo courts today

Court activity was significantly curtailed at Ballina District Court today as solicitors continue to withdraw their services in protest of proposed reforms to criminal legal aid fees.

A number of solicitors at the court sitting in Ballina today, which began shortly after 10.30am and ended shortly after 11am, informed Judge Michael Connellan that they would not be in a position to represent their clients due to the ongoing issues with the legal aid payments. As a result, a number of cases were adjourned.

Solicitors had walked out of Castlebar District Court last Wednesday as part of national action against the proposed changes which would see a ‘flat fee’ model of legal aid payments come into effect on July 1.

Solicitors in Mayo have called for the Department of Justice to enter into “meaningful dialogue” with the Law Society and to postpone the changes due to come into effect on July 1 until talks take place.

They have warned that the changes will create an immediate crisis for the justice system across the country if they go ahead as planned.

It is understood that court services in Mayo and across the country will continue to be disrupted while solicitors continue to keep their services withdrawn.

Trial cases have already been postponed in a number of Circuit Courts across the country as a result of the disruption and the standoff is likely to have an impact upon the next sitting of Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court, beginning next Monday, if the issues are not resolved.

The Department of Justice has been contacted for comment.