The Bar of Ireland welcomes the progress outlined in yesterday’s Budget and in today’s announcement by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan SC, towards the long-overdue restoration of professional fees for criminal barristers, marking a significant step in fulfilling the commitment contained in the Programme for Government.
The commitment to restoration of the FEMPI-era pay reductions is welcome recognition of the demanding and highly skilled work undertaken by barristers. To complete the process of pay restoration and to safeguard the sustainability of criminal practice, it is essential that fee rates once again be linked to comparable public-sector pay scales, as was the case prior to 2008.

Seán Guerin SC, Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland said:
“We wish to express our appreciation to the Minister for Justice and his officials for their continued engagement and their recognition of the vital role played by criminal practitioners in ensuring the effective operation of the justice system. The Department of Justice has been supportive of the principle of fee restoration since 2018, acknowledging the Bar’s cooperation with reform and efficiency measures across the criminal justice system.
“We look forward to the implementation of the restored fee rates at the earliest opportunity, and no later than 1 January 2026. The restoration of fees is not only a matter of fairness but of urgency – the sustainability of criminal practice, and by extension the functioning of the criminal justice system, depends on it.
“The Bar of Ireland has always been open to any suggestions for improvement in the operation of the criminal justice system. We have co-operated fully with extensive reforms to date, including in relation to the protection of victims’ rights, improved efficiency in the operation of criminal trial courts, and reforms in relation to disclosure and new procedures to expedite cases involving children.
The Bar of Ireland stands ready to engage immediately with the Department of Justice and Bar Council representatives will be meeting with Department of Justice officials next week to continue discussions in relation to possible further reforms.
“Finally, while progress on fees for criminal work – both prosecution and criminal legal aid – is positive, it is vital that equal priority be given to addressing pay structures and rates within the civil legal aid system. The right of access to justice for all citizens depends on ensuring that practitioners are adequately supported to continue this essential work”, he added.
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