The representative body for barristers in Ireland has urged Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to engage further with criminal defence solicitors to resolve an ongoing dispute over criminal legal aid payment changes before the new legal year begins on October 5.

The Council of The Bar of Ireland said it was extremely concerned that the standoff remains unresolved, warning that the prospect of continuing disruption across the court system is of the utmost gravity. The dispute arose following the introduction on July 1 of a flat-fee payment model of €520 per legal aid client in the District Court, replacing a per-appearance fee structure. The change prompted widespread withdrawals of services by defence solicitors, leading to the adjournment of thousands of cases across the country.

In its statement, the Bar of Ireland called on the Minister to engage directly with the Law Society of Ireland and criminal defence practitioners to address what it described as genuine operational issues. The organization warned that flat-rate payments risk reducing solicitors' willingness to take on complex cases, citing similar structural difficulties that previously affected the civil legal aid system.

The intervention follows Minister O'Callaghan's decision to decline a Law Society proposal for an independent mediator to assist in negotiations. The Department of Justice has defended the flat-fee model as a measure to streamline court proceedings, reduce unnecessary adjournments, and simplify administration, maintaining that the reform will not diminish constitutional entitlements to legal defense.