‘The process must be followed’ – striking barristers told to wait until Budget to find out if fees will go up

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said it was regretful that criminal barristers are withdrawing their services. Photo: Collins

Shane Phelan

Striking criminal barristers have been told by the Department of Justice they will have to wait until the next Budget to learn whether they are to receive a further increase in fee rates.

A 10pc increase in fees paid to criminal defence barristers and solicitors was announced in last October’s Budget and came into force from January 1.