A LOGJAM of cases in Donegal’s courts could soon be eased after a long-running legal dispute was resolved.
Solicitors across the county have accepted a deal that guarantees flat-rate fees ranging from €520 to €780 and €1,040.
They were refusing to take on clients in court since July past when Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan capped fees at €520 for criminal legal aid cases.
The strike meant that some cases which were were not heard because a solicitor was not available to provide legal representation.
This resulted in lengthy adjournments and caused a backlog in legal schedules.
Some defendants, who were in court after the Donegal Rally, chose to represent themselves in order to have their case disposed.
Cases at Letterkenny courthouse were held up for months due to a pay dispute involving solicitors.
However, it was confirmed yesterday morning (Wednesday) that the Law Society agreed a deal on behalf of solicitors with the Department of Justice.
The payment scheme dispute ran for almost five months.
Minister O’Callaghan announced that the flat fee structure is to remain and, unlike previously, multiple legal aid certificates cannot be granted.
But enhanced payments can be made, for example when there are two or more charges on the same day.
Controversy emerged when the minister months ago introduced the new one-off fee and claimed it would make the legal aid system more efficient.
It was designed to replace the pay arrangement of a solicitor being paid for each court appearance, with rates starting at €239.38 for a defendant’s first appearance and then €59.86 for further hearings.
The new scheme involves a payment of a higher €780 flat fee if an accused faces charges in two “separate and distinct” cases and €1,040 for three or more cases.