Justice Minister has commented on an announcement
by the Criminal Bar Association that it plans to extend its
withdrawal of services.
The Minister said: “I am hugely disappointed by the
decision to extend the current withdrawal of services.
“While my Department has been working hard with justice
system colleagues to mitigate the impact on victims and witnesses
as a result of this action, there is no doubt this is a
distressing and difficult time for all those affected, and a
continued withdrawal of services will only add to the stress and
anxiety already being experienced.
“When an announcement was first made that services were
to be withdrawn, I said I thought it was premature. We have been
working through a process to improve access to justice, which
includes the rates that will be paid to the legal profession for
the work they do.
“In December, I announced I would deliver as soon as
possible a 16% uplift in criminal legal aid fees as recommended
by HHJ Burgess. I think most people would find a 16% uplift in
their fees quite significant.
“In addition, I have determined that the 16% increase
will also apply to civil and family legal aid frameworks. Taken
together, this represents an estimated increase of £9.8million
per annum. However, there is a process to go through, not
least in terms of delivering legislation to underpin the fee
increases.
“We have been engaging with the legal profession; I have
requested a meeting with the Bar and I already have a meeting
scheduled with the Law Society.
“There are processes in place that must be followed in
relation to all public expenditure, and these apply equally when
it comes to increasing fees for legal aid.
“The people who are suffering are not the barristers who
are on strike; they are the victims who are waiting for serious
cases to be heard, they are the police, PPS and the judiciary.
However, my priority has to be the vulnerable victims who are
suffering unimaginable distress. We need to bring this to a
conclusion and I am a willing partner in wanting to achieve that,
but we have to meet each other halfway.”
Notes to editors:
- On 2 December 2024, Justice Minister announced a major programme of
reform to improve access to justice and better support those
using publicly funded legal services. The ‘Enabling Access to
reform programme will refocus services putting the citizen at
the heart of the justice system in Northern Ireland: Ministerial Statement - Long
announces plans to reset the justice system | Department of
Justice
