Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

447. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to respond to concerns raised (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42487/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Let me assure the Deputy that I recognise the important role played by barristers in undertaking criminal legal aid work.

My Department understand the underlying issues that have given rise to the withdrawal of professional services on 3rd October. These issues include the request for the restoration of cuts imposed on professional fees in the years 2008 -2011.

While my Department is responsible for administering the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, it is not in a position to make any changes to the fees without the consent of the Minister of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform and there has been ongoing engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform in relation to this matter. Currently, as part of the budgetary process my Department is actively engaged in discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform regarding the restoration of fee cuts.