Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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470. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide an update on criminal barrister defence fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27115/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise the important role played by the legal professions in the administration of criminal justice, both in the context of working to defend those accused and working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in respect of prosecutions.

Over the past two years, there has been an 18% increase in the fees paid to barristers under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. The budget for criminal legal aid will increase 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.

As the Deputy will know, the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future – contains a commitment to reform the operation of the criminal legal aid system and fully restore criminal legal aid fees. I met recently with representatives of the Bar Council to discuss various matters, including the fees paid under the criminal legal aid scheme and it is my intention, as part of this year's budget negotiations, to make further progress in this regard.

The General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Bill 2023 was published in July 2023. The key purpose of the Bill is to transfer the administration of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme to the Legal Aid Board and update the administration of criminal legal aid. This Bill will modernise the operation of the scheme, introducing strengthened oversight and governance structures. My Department is currently working on the modernisation of the scheme and engaging with all stakeholders, including the legal professions and I would like to express my appreciation for the ongoing co-operation of the Bar Council with this important work.