'My hands are tied': Dozens of legal aid cases adjourned on first day of new legal term in Limerick

A JUDGE has said her “hands are tied” because of the ongoing dispute between solicitors and the Department of Justice over criminal legal aid payments.

During the first sitting of Newcastle West Court since the beginning of the new legal term, dozens of cases were adjourned due to the refusal of solicitors to engage with the restructured legal aid scheme.

In one case, solicitor Michael O’Donnell indicated he was “not in a position” to deal with the case of a juvenile which was listed for hearing before the court because of the dispute. Solicitor Ted McCarthy requested an adjournment of a separate case, simply noting it was a “legal aid matter”.

A large number of similar cases were adjourned to dates on October and November by Judge Valerie Corcoran because of the dispute. “I want to get them moving,” she commented expressing concern that the court lists might get “blocked up” towards the end of the year.

In the case of a one man who was not legally represented, Judge Corcoran commented that her “hands are tied” and that “we will be in the High Court” if she were to proceed with the case, given the dispute, which has been ongoing since July.

During Tuesday’s sitting of Newcastle West court, “private cases” not involving legal aid proceeded as normal while prosecutions brought by the Road Safety Authority and Limerick City and County Council were also heard.

All civil matters listed on the day, including cases relating to civil restraining orders, were dealt with by Judge Corcoran.