Jim O’Callaghan implemented a flat-fee of 520 euro for criminal legal aid in the district court in July, rather than per-appearance fees.

The two-day stoppage in Dublin marks an escalation in a dispute over reforms to how legal aid fees are calculated.

There are examples of the criminal legal aid system being misused, James Lawless said.

The Justice Minister has been accused of making ‘inaccurate’ statements about the extent of a dispute with criminal legal aid solicitors over fees.

Jim O’Callaghan implemented a flat-fee rate for criminal legal aid in the district court from July 1st, prompting anger among solicitors.