Dramatic drop in number of criminal legal aid certs granted in Cork courts 

There has been a nearly 98% decrease in the number of criminal legal aid certificates granted by the courts in Cork since the Government’s controversial payment scheme was introduced.

The figures reflect the impact of the dispute over the new criminal legal aid scheme on access to legal representation, particularly in Cork, where the reduction is above the national average of 93%.

Just 19 certificates granting access to criminal legal aid were issued in Cork this July, down from 849 issued in July 2025, while nationally there has been a drop from 10,277 to 702.

The Law Society has called for the appointment of an independent mediator to help resolve the impasse, which has seen the majority of court cases adjourned.

The figures come as justice minister Jim O’Callaghan has said the criminal courts are operating “effectively” despite the ongoing dispute over the new legal aid scheme.

Concerns about public safety 

The Echo previously revealed that since the new scheme was introduced, the number of people in custody in Cork Prison dropped by 20%, prompting concerns about public safety.

In Cork District Court, the number of certificates granted fell from 677 in July 2025 to 18 in July 2026, when the new scheme was introduced. There were drops from 118 to 0 in Mallow, and 54 to one in Clonakilty over the same period.

Frank Buttimer, Cork-based criminal solicitor, told The Echo: “The minister is absolutely wrong to say the courts are working effectively; the only effective situation is a collapse in the criminal justice system from when the minister introduced these unilateral changes.

“In my opinion, the situation will persist unless the minister agrees to proper engagement with legal aid practitioners.”

Jonathan Lynam, the Cork president of the Southern Law Association, said that the figures were “deeply concerning”.

“As a direct result of the new scheme introduced by the minister for justice, the criminal justice system in Cork is under significant pressure,” he said.

“Cork solicitors are seeing the impact it is having on the provision of criminal legal aid, leaving many without access to justice.”