Wexford solicitors withdraw key services over legal aid reform concerns
Wexford PeopleWexford criminal legal aid solicitors have withdrawn a number of services in protest over proposed reforms to the criminal legal aid system.
The Wexford Solicitors Bar Association has formally notified the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána that practitioners undertaking criminal legal aid work will, from June 11, 2026, withdraw from attending Garda station interviews, evening court sittings and weekend courts until further notice.
The move follows what the association described as considerable concern among its members regarding proposed changes to criminal legal aid remuneration.
In speaking with the Irish Independent solicitor Eileen O’Neill, stated “this decision has been made after careful consideration and reflects the deep and widespread dissatisfaction within the profession concerning the nature and impact of the proposed changes.
“Members are of the firm view that the proposed measures will significantly undermine the viability of the criminal legal aid practice and, consequentially, the ability of practitioners to provide effective and timely representation to persons in custody and before the courts.”
In a separate statement, solicitor Lana Doherty said “the decision of Wexford solicitors regarding the withdrawal of services in not undertaken lightly. Our members remain committed to upholding the administration of justice and to ensuring that accused persons have access to legal representation.
“However, it is considered that the proposed reforms pose a serious threat to the sustainability of the current system and the continued participation of the practitioners within it.”
Under the proposed scheme, solicitors handling criminal cases in the District Court would receive a flat fee of €455 per client, regardless of the number of hearings involved in a case.
Under the current model, solicitors receive €239.38 for a first court appearance and €59.86 for each subsequent appearance.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has argued that the reforms will improve efficiency in the District Court system and create a more sustainable criminal legal aid scheme by reducing unnecessary adjournments and encouraging the earlier resolution of cases.
The withdrawal of services by Wexford solicitors is set to continue until further notice as concerns over the proposed reforms remain unresolved.