Failure to engage has deepened criminal justice disruption – Kelly
Failure to engage has deepened criminal justice disruption - Kelly - The Labour Party
Labour’s justice spokesperson Deputy Alan Kelly has criticised the Minister for Justice for failing to adequately prepare, consult and engage with members of the Law Society before announcing sweeping changes to the payment system for criminal aid cases.
Deputy Kelly said:
“Justice delayed is justice denied and that is the reality for too many people whose cases have been delayed as a result of the ongoing dispute over changes to the criminal legal aid payment system. The situation should never have been allowed to escalate to this point.
“The Labour Party has consistently called on the Justice Minister to intervene and consult with members of the Law Society on the criminal legal aid fees’ reforms. We have proposed measures in the Dáil, including an interim payment mechanism to help prevent disruption while wider reforms are agreed.
“While it is welcome that the Minister has now indicated a willingness to consider an interim payment arrangement, this engagement should have happened much earlier. At the same time, given the significant impact this dispute has had on the operation of the courts, it is crucial that all parties now engage constructively and in good faith to reach a resolution.
“Criminal aid requires reform, but reform must be delivered through proper consultation and careful implementation. The Minister’s handling of this process has contributed to the uncertainty and avoidable disruption across the criminal justice system.
“The Minister needs to engage urgently in dialogue with the solicitors’ representative body, the Law Society, so that a resolution to the dispute can be found swiftly. Every additional adjournment undermines confidence in the justice system and prolongs uncertainty for accused persons, victims and their families alike.”