Approved organisations can access the services of any of 1,825 barristers without going through a solicitor through the Direct Professional Access Scheme.

The Bar Council has approved the PRCA’s application to become an approved professional body, meaning that all PRCA members can now avail of the scheme.

A spokesperson for the PRCA said: “The scheme offers an efficient and cost-effective way to get legal advice should the need arise.”

Last month, Micheál P O’Higgins SC, chairman of the Council of The Bar of Ireland, said: “As the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve and have widespread implications, our members are working closely with a range of organisations to help them respond to the crisis and to prepare for the long-term implications of the crisis.

“In these uncertain times, we wish to remind those designated organisations that the Direct Professional Access scheme provides speedy access to legal expertise and specialist advice saving time and reducing costs.”