Criminal cases adjourned to October over Legal Aid row - News - Waterford News & Star

The dispute had led to hundreds of solicitors withdrawing their services across the State.

Caroline Spencer A large amount of criminal sentencing hearings were delayed at Waterford Circuit due to the ongoing dispute between the Department of Justice and the Law Society of Ireland.

The dispute concerns plans to to change the Legal Aid system, whereby solicitors would receive a flat fee for their services. The fee does not take into account the amount of times a case may be called before finalisation.

At Waterford Circuit Court, multiple barristers asked Judge Eugene O'Kelly to adjourn matters due to the industrial action. Judge O'Kelly told the gathered barristers that the situation was 'not acceptable' - particularly for victims of crimes waiting to have their day in Court.

Judge O'Kelly criticised solicitor John Quinn for not turning up to Court on behalf of a client who is currently in custody. He said: "There is a victim in this case who is entitled to have this matter finalised. Mr. Quinn should've turned up and explained why he is not appearing."