Crunching the numbers: Inside the payment row affecting Longford solicitors
The number crunching behind the ongoing legal aid dispute
Numbers and pay is a big part of the legal aid row with neither solicitors or the Department of Justice showing any signs of backing down before last Monday's meeting.
The new system has replaced the previous payment model, under which solicitors received €239.38 for a client’s first court appearance and €59.86 for each subsequent hearing, with a flat fee of €520 per client, regardless of how many times a case returns to court.
According to the solicitors, the changes raise serious concerns about the sustainability of criminal defence work, particularly in rural counties such as Longford.
They warned that fewer solicitors may be willing or able to take on legal aid cases, making it increasingly difficult for people to access legal representation.
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said the new single payment of €520 was introduced for summary cases in the District Court which is an 8% increase on previous payments made for five appearances.
Under the old system solicitors were paid approximately €240 for taking on an initial case certificate and about €60 for each subsequent court appearance,
However, it was reported last week that one solicitor is set to benefit from a payout of €31,200 in criminal legal aid fees for a single court appearance.
This specific case reportedly involved 130 money laundering charges and that is said to have convinced the Government to overhaul and reform the structure.