In an email sent to barristers on behalf of the Bar Council, Séamus Clarke SC said the general increase of 6.5 per cent from 1 October 2022 is “required to deliver all current member services along with some new and enhanced services”.

“The impact of inflation across the economy has also contributed to the need to apply this increase,” he added.

However, the immediate impact of the rise will be mitigated by the Bar Council covering the costs of the 2021 LSRA levy for all members.

Mr Clarke said: “This equates to approximately €195 per member in respect of the 2021 levy and will be resourced from the reserves.”

A junior counsel in their fifth year of practice would see their annual subscription increased by €217. When taking the €195 LSRA levy into account, they will see a net annual increase of €22.

For a junior counsel in their twelfth year of practice, the annual subscription increase will be €367, working out to a net annual increase of €172.

Darren Lalor BL, who has helped to organise a number of barristers’ protests outside the Criminal Courts of Justice, told Irish Legal News that the increase is “disappointing”.

Mr Lalor said: “Many members, particularly those at District Court level, are struggling as it is. This is a total disconnect from the reality of those struggling in a profession that values their expertise at fees as low as €25.20. Now our €25.20 is worth less.”