‘Constructive’ talks on North fees dispute
The North’s justice minister and representatives of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) have described a recent meeting on fees as “constructive”.
Criminal barristers in the North withdrew their services from all current Crown Court cases last month in an escalation of a long-running dispute.
After the latest meeting, both sides said that, while not all issues had been resolved, the minister, Naomi Long, had agreed to start an accelerated review of fees.
Further meetings
The CBA has also agreed to exempt an upcoming trial involving the murder of Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena from its withdrawal of services.
Further meetings between the Department of Justice and the CBA have been scheduled.
“We welcome the minister’s confirmation that an accelerated review will proceed, and it is our hope that this will produce the urgent reforms necessary to enable a full return to work,” said CBA vice-chair Michael Chambers.
Minister Long welcomed the CBA’s commitment to engaging to find solutions to the recent impasse.