Kildare barristers protest at courthouse

THIS morning at 10am (24 July) Kildare criminal barrister withdrew their service and protested outside of Naas Courthouse, as part of the third of three nationwide days of withdrawal this legal term.

Protests took place at 10 courthouses around the country, including the Four Courts in Dublin, Carlow, Ennis, Washington St in Cork, Buncrana, Kilkenny, Merchant’s Quay Limerick, Longford, Sligo and Clonmel.

Following a series of correspondence with An Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD and Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, in addition to Department of Justice officials, the situation remains “at an impasse,” according to Chair of The Council of The Bar of Ireland, Sara Phelan SC.

The Council of The Bar of Ireland recommended the withdrawal of service to members in response to a continued lack of progress on the restoration of fees imposed in the FEMPI-era.

This three days in July is an escalation on the previous one day of withdrawal which took place on 3 October, 2023.

Shortly after that unprecedented day of withdrawal last October, a partial restoration of 10 per cent of fees was confirmed in Budget 2024.

However, even after this 10% was restored, the full range of FEMPI-era cuts that were applied across the public sector, continue to apply to the profession, and the unilateral breaking of the link (in 2008) to public sector pay agreements has yet to be restored.

While members of Government and the Opposition have signalled support for fee restoration, no commitment has been forthcoming regarding a timeline, despite a Government report as far back as 2018 stating that fee restoration was justified, given the reforms and flexibilities provided by profession.

The Council of The Bar of Ireland reiterated its regret with respect to the withdrawal, and its disappointment at the lack of Government action or engagement on the issue.

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