Long committed to engaging with legal profession
Date published:
Justice Minister Naomi Long 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“When an announcement was first made that services were to be withdrawn, I said I thought it was premature.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 Naomi Long 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
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