Exploring New Paths for Legal Defence Services

Justice Minister's Update on Defence Services

Scoping work has begun on looking at 'alternative provision' for legal defence services while industrial action by criminal barristers in Northern Ireland continues, Naomi Long has told MLAs. The Justice Minister said that while she was 'not enamoured' of the idea of a public defender's office in Northern Ireland, she had to explore other options to 'ensure the sustainability of the justice system as a whole'. The Criminal Bar Association (CBA), which represents criminal barristers, has withdrawn some services in recent months in a dispute over legal aid fees.