Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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1211. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline for the restoration of criminal legal aid fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12798/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, over the past 2 years, there has been an 18% increase in the fees paid under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. The budget for criminal legal aid increased in 2025 by over €9m, which includes an 8% increase in fees from 1 January 2025. This is in addition to the 10% increase in fees secured in Budget 2024.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to reform the operation of the criminal legal aid system and fully restore criminal legal aid fees. My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the restoration of fees and work with the Bar Council, the Law Society and all relevant stakeholders on the modernisation and funding structure of the scheme.