‘Regrettable’: Willie O'Dea weighs in on criminal legal aid row

The former Minister for Justice commented on court disruptions in Limerick

Published 22nd Jul 2026, 17:23 BST When asked about the legal aid row, Willie O’Dea said: ‘ If a big backlog builds up, that is very bad for the justice system’ | x The former Minister for Justice commented on court disruptions in Limerick Sign up to our Limerick Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Limerick Live within your account.

Former Minister for Justice Willie O’Dea has said that the court disruptions in Limerick are “regrettable”.

The vast majority of solicitors have completely withdrawn legal services in Limerick’s criminal courts due to the introduction of a flat-fee payment for legal aid in July.

When it was put to the Fianna Fáil TD that there are a large number of criminal cases put-back to October due to defendants having no legal representation, Willie said: “There’s no doubt about it. If a big backlog builds up, that is very bad for the justice system.”

“You must get the best possible value for the money you’re spending. On the other hand, I regret the fact that they’re spending more days in the system.”

READ MORE: Limerick solicitor tells judge it's 'better that we do not attend court' amid legal aid row

When asked if he fully supports Fianna Fáil Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan’s new legal aid reform, Willie O’Dea said: “I fully support the idea that you must get the best possible value for the money they’re spending. On the other hand, I regret the fact that they’re creating more days in the system. I think the two sides should get together and try to negotiate a solution.”