Courts / Dublin / Report

Barristers strike halts criminal cases

Summary

In Dublin, a barristers' strike halted criminal proceedings. Only five cases were scheduled in Court 7 of the Criminal Courts of Justice, but Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned them to the next day. The Central Criminal Court, which was handling several sexual‑abuse trials, did not sit at all. Jury members were told they were not required and were sent home at 10:30 am. No barristers were present; solicitors noted the adjournments. Barristers protested outside the courthouse, citing a 28‑60 % fee cut between 2008 and 2011 and a government failure to conduct an independent fee review promised in Budget 24. They plan to withdraw again on 15 July and 24 July, marking an escalation of the strike that began in October 2023. The strike is driven by a demand for the restoration of fee rates, not a pay rise. The courts are expected to resume tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Barristers strike halts criminal cases. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• Monday July 15 Other
• Wednesday July 24 Other
• October 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 2018 Other
• 2008 to 2011 Other
• 2024-07-09 Publication

Why: "We're here again because in Budget '24, the government committed to engaging with us and reviewing a structure of fees and unfortunately that engagement hasn't yet happened. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report