Local solicitors walked out of Monaghan Courthouse in protest this morning, as part of an ongoing dispute over the introduction of a flat fee per client.
Where possible, court proceedings continued after solicitors withdrew their services.
Defendant solicitors are usually paid each time they appear in district court for a client.
However, the Department of Justice is replacing the system with a flat-fee model that will be implemented form the 1st of July.
Local TD, Matt Carthy is the chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee.
Speaking to Northern Sound this morning, he outlined the problems in the dispute.
Deputy Carthy said: "It is clear that the current impasse risks causing really significant damage to the overall justice system.
"The real losers to the dispute won't be the Government, won't be the solicitors, it'll be defendants who are denied access to legal advice and representation.
"More importantly, victims of crime will be forced to endure further delays and uncertainty, as cases involving their alleged perpetrators are postponed," he added.
Co. Monaghan Senator, Robbie Gallagher is Fianna Fáil’s Justice Spokesperson.
He was disappointed to hear the news from Monaghan Court House this morning.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Senator Gallagher that the Government want more efficiency in the justice system:
"It is not a cost saving exercise, it is more efficiency in trying to speed up cases- in cases where criminal legal aid is available.
"We have to be open to reform, but at the same time it is important that a client a solicitor is looking after isn't being short changed.
"We are in a negotiations phase at the moment. These new recommendations are meant to come into vogue in July, but there is a window of opportunity there to find a satisfactionary resolution."
