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Defence barristers paid less than prosecution counterparts, court hears
Summary
During a Special Criminal Court hearing, defence barristers delayed the start of a lengthy trial because they were not informed of their fees and feared they would be paid less than prosecution counsel. The defence team, led by senior barristers Padraig Dwyer, Paul Greene, Hugh Hartnett and Ronan Munro, expressed concern that the pay gap could reach 50 to 75 per cent when the State funds legal fees. Prosecuting counsel Tara Burns was said to be receiving an enhanced fee due to the case's complexity. Justice Isobel Kennedy noted that pay parity had historically existed but was now "set at naught," a claim contested by Mr. Greene. The court postponed the trial's commencement until 2 pm to allow all parties to return and continue the proceedings.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Defence barristers paid less than prosecution counterparts, court hears. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- 2018-01-18 Publication
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
Topics
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