The Minister for justice recently brought in reforms for the criminal justice legal aid system. While we all recognise that there is a need for reform within the system, the reforms that the Minister has brought in are ill-considered, not backed up by data or evidence and have led to absolute chaos in the courts system. Solicitors have removed themselves from free legal aid work.

The Wicklow courts system has essentially ground to a halt. No Wicklow solicitors are participating or providing free legal aid advice. It means that in recent weeks, cases involving assault, domestic violence, theft, drugs and possession of child pornography have not gone ahead in Wicklow. There are victims in Wicklow who are not able to access justice at the moment because these new changes have brought chaos. Hundreds of jurors were recently told that their services were no longer required. Many vulnerable people in the legal system are falling through gaps.

I know this decision went through the Cabinet and was signed off but in light of the impact that this is happening on our courts system, will the Tánaiste push for the process to be stalled? We need it stopped. We need there to be proper consultation. We need a clear, coherent and properly working policy to be developed.

We also need to recognise that the Minister for justice has increased criminal legal aid fees by 8% in the Circuit Court and higher courts from 1 July 2026. Not too many of our constituents are receiving an increase of 8%. This represents a total restoration of-----

None of them are getting legal justice.

Deputy, please allow the Tánaiste to reply.

Reforms are sometimes difficult. The Minister has also introduced a fee of €520 for District Court criminal cases under the criminal legal aid scheme. This figure represents the current fee paid for five appearances in the District Court, plus a further 8% on top of that. I note that the Social Democrats have used colourful language about the Minister, including comparisons with Margaret Thatcher and all of that. It makes for great headlines. This is an important-----

I have never used that language.

The Deputy's colleague who is sitting beside her has done. The party spokesperson has.

Deputy Whitmore-----

The Deputy did say that. I read his comments.

I said I did.

The Tánaiste to conclude.

The Deputies comprise a party. The party has chosen to call the Minister for justice names.

Thank you. We will move to the next question in the name of Deputy Conway-Walsh.

I am disappointed that Deputy Whitmore-----

Is the Minister okay that-----

Deputy Whitmore, please address your remarks through the Chair.

Deputy Whitmore is trying to play all sides here. We are increasing the amount being paid in criminal legal aid. We are trying to speed up the delivery of justice in the District Court system. We are also trying to bring about reforms. Many of our constituents believe there is significant room for reform to the free legal aid system.

We agree about the need for reform. Do it properly.

The Minister for justice has been engaging and will continue to engage.