Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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68. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the ongoing engagement with the Department of Justice and relevant stakeholders in relation to the restoration of fees to criminal defence barristers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45401/21]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the reduction in counsel fees over the period of 2009 - 2011 were underpinned by Government decisions and formed part of the broader Government need to reduce costs across the public service.

I fully acknowledge and appreciate the very important work undertaken by barristers who prosecute and defend cases throughout the criminal courts. My Department has engaged constructively with key stakeholders including the Bar Council of Ireland, the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Justice in relation to this matter. In particular it has sought evidence to support any claims that the reductions imposed are linked to significant recruitment and retention issues, thereby potentially adversely impacting the administration of justice.

While my Department has not yet been provided with evidential data to support such claims, it remains available to review any further information that may be provided.

My Department has also sought advices from the Attorney General's Office as to whether the State has an obligation in relation to these professional fees. My Department will continue to keep this issue under review and engage with key stakeholders, as appropriate.