Criminal defence barristers say they have no choice be to strikeLawyers say low fees make the job unviable
Northern Ireland’s criminal defence barristers are on indefinite strike over pay.
Naomi Long
Northern Ireland’s criminal defence barristers are on indefinite strike over pay.
The move will exacerbate delays in a system already notorious for how slowly it can operate. The criminal justice process can take many years.
But the lawyers say they have been left with no option.
Representatives of the criminal defence barristers say fees they’re paid are now so low – that it’s unsustainable and are harming the profession and its future.
Justice Minister Naomi Long says the strike is unnecessary and will have a “devastating impact on the justice system, particularly for victims”.
Ciarán Dunbar is joined by criminal defence barristers, Michael Forde and Aoife Macauley, who put forward their case.
Barristers strike means delays for victims but lawyers say they have no choice
