Resolution reached in legal aid dispute

In a joint statement, The Law Society, Bar Council and the Department of Justice said: “We are pleased to report that an agreement has been reached following a mediation process in respect of the level of cuts under the Legal Aid for Crown Court Proceedings (Costs) (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2015.

“All parties have worked to achieve this outcome in the interests of ensuring the continued effective and efficient operation of the criminal justice system in this jurisdiction. These arrangements will ensure the immediate restoration of representation for defendants in the Crown Court in Northern Ireland.”