Cynthia Ní Mhurchú described the situation as a slap in the face to victims of crimes.

Cahir O'Higgins received €204,747 in legal aid fees during 2024

Alexander McCartney of Newry posed as a young girl to contact youngsters before abusing and blackmailing them.

The Criminal Bar Association said the system of criminal legal aid in Northern Ireland had reached ‘crisis point’.

The Government approved proposals to give judges the discretion to recommend minimum jail terms for those sentenced to life imprisonment.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the draft laws will aim to reform court sentences so that they ‘reflect the gravity of the most heinous’ crimes.

Barristers will withdraw their services on a number of dates in July following similar action last October