Sligo District Court disrupted as solicitors withdraw services over proposed changes to the legal aid scheme

By Nathan Molloy, The Sligo Champion

Proceedings at Sligo District Court were disrupted on Thursday as solicitors withdrew their services over proposed changes to the legal aid scheme. It followed similar protests in courtrooms across the country this week.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham dealt with cases with defendants in custody and juveniles before Ms Laura Spellman of McGovern Walsh solicitors informed her that she, along with her colleagues, were withdrawing their services.

Ms Spellman told Judge Cunningham that “due to the proposed changes in the legal aid scheme, I’m unfortunately in a difficult position, and I’m unfortunately withdrawing from legal services today.”

She was followed out of the courtroom by her colleagues from McGovern Walsh Solicitors, Ms Abigail Livingstone and Mr Gareth McGovern.

Judge Cunningham noted their position in regard to the service.

Other solicitors took a similar stance. Ms Aoife Kelly said that she was in a similar position and withdrew her services. Mr Mark Mullaney told Judge Cunningham that due to the proposed changes, he was not in a position to represent his clients, which he regretted and that he had to leave the courtroom.

The daily court list was then read out with Judge Cunningham adjourning the majority of cases to dates in November. Due to no solicitors being present, defendants were asked to inform Judge Cunningham who was representing them before being told when their cases were adjourned to.

No bench warrants or default orders were issued. Judge Cunningham said that she was reluctant to issue them due to the withdrawal of services.

The withdrawal of services stems from plans to change Criminal Legal Aid payments to solicitors to a flat fee per client.

At present under the scheme - which assists people before the court who are of limited means - solicitors are paid for each court appearance, starting at €239.38, and then €59.86 for each subsequent appearance.

From July 1, solicitors representing clients under the legal aid scheme would get a new set fee of €455 regardless of how many court appearances they are. The Department of Justice argues that this flat fee would reduce the number of court appearances and improve efficiency in the criminal justice system.

The Law Society of Ireland are set to meet at their headquarters and online on Friday, June 19, to discuss the proposed changes.

Article funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.