"Iron has entered the soul" of the criminal legal profession in their dispute with the Justice Minister over the new flat fee system.
That’s according to Tralee-based solicitor and President of the Kerry Law Society, Pat Mann.
At the start of the month, a flat fee of €520 per case was introduced, replacing a previous system in which solicitors were paid for each appearance.
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The change has resulted in solicitors withdrawing from the legal aid panel, leaving many people without representation in the district court.
Pat Mann refutes claims from Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, that solicitors were abusing pay through the appearance system.
Mr Mann says criminal legal aid solicitors will not be giving in on the dispute:
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