James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank the Senators for raising what is a very important matter. As I said already, the Minister for Justice and I are engaging with the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery, and Reform on the issue of criminal legal aid fees as part of the budgetary process. It is also worth mentioning that I am progressing legislation to modernise and improve the operation of the criminal legal aid scheme more generally. This proposed legislation will strengthen oversight and governance structures for the scheme, provide for automation of payments and for a comprehensive review of fees and the manner in which they are paid.

To conclude where I started, I recognise and appreciate the important role played by barristers in undertaking criminal legal aid work. I should declare that I was one of those barristers for many a year. This work is a fundamental part of our criminal justice system and ensures the administration of a fair system of justice.