asked the Minister for Justice the number of barristers in the free legal aid scheme on the 1st January, 1970; and the names of those in it at the latest available date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Legal Aid.
27.
The number of names on the list of counsel on 1st January, 1970, was 154; the present number is 14.
The relevant regulations provide for the furnishing of copies of the list to the various court offices where they are available for the purpose of enabling solicitors to retain counsel under the legal aid scheme. Publication is not otherwise provided for and I think that, especially at this time when an early settlement of the scale of fees to be allowed to counsel is hoped for, general publication of the names that remained on the list would not be helpful.
Would the Minister be prepared to offer an opinion as to why the number dropped to 14?
It dropped because the Bar Council were in dispute with my Department regarding the scale of fees.
Is there anybody marching around with a placard stating "Strike on Here"?
No.
The total amount involved in this silly dispute is £5,000. Would the Minister take steps to see that that dispute is settled without delay?
I have already had an informal discussion with the chairman of the Bar Council and I hope this matter will be resolved pretty soon.
Will the Minister tell us what fees his Department offer counsel, together with any other trimmings, which are an important part of this question? Will he give us the scale of fees, together with fees for consultation and other items incidental to the defence of an accused person?
I am afraid I have not got the present scale with me but if the Deputy wants the information I could give it to him in a day or two.
Thank you.