Muireann DuffyCriminal law barristers are set to strike again as part of an ongoing dispute over the level of fees. Last October, criminal law practitioners staged action of this type for the first time, aiming to secure an "independent, meaningful, time-limited and binding mechanism" for fees paid to criminal barristers engaged by the Director of Public Prosecutions and under the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Scheme. It added that cuts made following the 2008 financial crisis continue to apply to payments for criminal law barristers, despite public pay agreements having restored remuneration levels across other sectors. Yet, barristers continue to be treated differently to others in the criminal justice system and indeed to society at large." Ms Phelan said they regret having to take this action, and will work with colleagues in the criminal justice system to minimise the impact on the most vulnerable people.

Source: The Herald June 21, 2024 07:45 UTC