BARRISTERS in Letterkenny joined colleagues from across the country to protest at the 20 year-old, out-of-date rates of pay they receive for providing some legal aid services.
The barristers gathered outside Letterkeny Court House on Tuesday where the Circuit Court and a District court were sitting.
Raphoe born Barrister Damian Crawford explained to the Donegal News how the protest came about and how the poor payment rates to barristers through legal aid, particularly at District Court level are impacting the profession. He also expressed concern about its long term affect.
Barristers appearing for District Court defence work are paid €25.20 for a remand, €50.40 for a plea in mitigation and €67.50 for a full trial hearing.
“These fees are truly pitiful and no profession can accept these low rates for such critical work. No citizen of any European Member State accused of a criminal offence could be expected to have confidence in a service given for such low remuneration.
“These fees are at 2002 levels. I think everyone is trading on the fact that no one likes barristers. Young people are not going into the profession because of the rates in the District Courts. That is where you spend the first 10 to 15 years honing your professional skills.
“Despite various representations to the minister on the rates, nothing has changed,” Mr Crawford said.
He gave the example of meeting a number of young barristers in Dublin who are having to live with their parents because of the poor rates of pay and the cost of living.
Mr Crawford cited the circular issued by the profession this week stating rates to barristers are uneconomic and unsustainable and have driven many from the profession or abandoning practice in criminal law.
“This is damaging not only the legal profession but also the due administration of justice, vital in any democracy operating on the basis of the Rule of Law. It is in the District Court the vast majority of criminal prosecutions, carrying potential sentences of up to two years imprisonment, take place.”
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