Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I mentioned the overall change because this is all part of the work that is being done. This is linked to last year’s 10% increase and is part of improving the overall system, which includes fees, so I would like to think that the action I have taken to date shows my good faith commitment to restoring fees. This is not just about the 10%, but a potential further 8% and another 8% on top of that. That is not going to happen overnight. We had a conversation in the Chamber only a few hours ago when we discussed needing more judges and more resources for judges and more gardaí and more supports for gardaí. I have to ensure that the Department of Justice has a balanced budget that is spread across all of the areas that require it. Some €9 million was allocated last year for a 10% restoration. I have been clear that is my intention to restore fees further separate to any work that is happening in terms of improvements to the system, moving online, changing how we provide criminal legal aid and fees in general. That work will commence and progress, but what the barristers are asking for now is a restoration. I am saying clearly that I will continue to work on that this year and make further progress. I hope that the actions I have taken to date will show that progress irrespective of any of the other work, which will happen anyway. What the barristers want to know is that we are working towards restoration, and that is my objective and intention. Unfortunately, however, I cannot give an overall commitment before the budget has been negotiated and agreed, but I will ensure it forms part of my overall objectives. I cannot be clearer on that.

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