Bar Council urges pay cut reduction for barristers

The Council of the Bar of Ireland, representing 2,000 practicing barristers, is urging the Government to reverse pay cuts implemented after the financial crash. Ahead of the upcoming budget, they are calling for the restoration of full pay cuts for criminal barristers and a link with national wage agreements. Despite withdrawing services four times in the past year, no action has been taken. Barristers seek an independent mechanism to determine fees from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Chair Seán Guerin emphasizes the need for fairness and investment in the criminal justice system to ensure public trust and prevent inequality. The Council believes that without experienced barristers, justice is at risk. This plea for fair treatment highlights the ongoing struggle faced by barristers in the criminal justice sector. With the deadline for budget decisions approaching, the Council hopes their concerns will be addressed to guarantee a fair and effective justice system for all.