Ahead of a planned withdrawal of services by barristers, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Justice, Pa Daly TD, has called on the government to stop passing the buck and to address the concerns of the Bar Council.

Teachta Daly said:

“Sinn Féin has long called for the restoration of pay for barristers, through the criminal legal aid scheme, and I recently met with representatives of the Bar Council.

“Successive Ministers for Justice claim to support pay restoration but say it is a matter for DEPR.

“We are conscious that the profession has delivered efficiencies and reforms sought by DEPR and the DPP, whilst seeing no restoration of the cuts in payments. According to the Bar Council, they have in fact seen a decrease in real terms of up to 40% since 2002.

“Indeed, there are indications DEPR have sought further to squeeze more from the profession, and have also refused to countenance any restoration.

“Sinn Féin supports an independent and properly resourced legal system, one where all citizens of the state are treated equally, and we will support measures that ensure this.

“The viability of working in criminal defence and legal practice is under threat, with as many as two thirds of criminal barristers leaving practice after only six years.

“It is important that people have access to legal representation to ensure equality of arms particularly in family law and those who are victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

“Sinn Féin has called for in our alternative budget submission for measures to commence the process of pay restoration. We will continue to liaise with the Bar Council on the matter.

“It is clear that, under Fine Gael, the justice system has become more chaotic, with Gardaí and legal practitioners on strike. The must not continue to pass the buck to DEPR, under the control of a Fine Gael Minister at present, on this issue.”