This is a photograph of me taken recently on the steps of the Criminal Courts of Justice, Dublin. I walked up these very steps as a newly qualified barrister in October 2015.

Long before I qualified the following rates were paid to barristers for District Court defence work: €25.20 for a remand, €50.40 for a plea in mitigation and €67 for a full trial hearing. Nothing has changed since.

Justice on the cheap will cost more in the long run.

Have no doubt, only those with independent resources will survive practising in criminal law under the criminal legal aid scheme. The criminal bar should be there for all entrants and not just those who can afford to be there for fees as low as €25.20.

Being a member of the Law Library for me is important and provides a very good service. But sadly, for me and for many others it does not make good business sense to remain a member. Between now and October 2023 important decisions must be made.

The Bar of Ireland must consider reducing membership fees for all practitioners at District Court level until austerity and other cuts are reversed and a proper payment system is put in place for barristers.

Darren Lalor BL