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A significant agreement has been reached between Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan TD and the Law Society of Ireland, bringing an end to the long-running dispute over criminal legal aid payments in the District Court.
The agreement, announced on 10th November 2026 following extensive discussions, addresses concerns raised by solicitors regarding lengthy court proceedings and separate criminal cases heard on the same day.
Under the revised arrangements, the single flat-fee payment system will remain in place, replacing the previous payment structure based on court appearances. The practice of issuing multiple legal aid certificates for separate cases involving the same accused will also come to an end.
However, important adjustments have been agreed to ensure additional payments in certain circumstances.
Key changes include:
Enhanced payments for separate and distinct criminal cases involving two or more charges brought before the court on the same day.
Higher single flat-fee payments for domestic violence cases, juvenile cases and cases involving accused persons held in custody before trial.
Retention of the flat-fee model, with no return to the previous system of multiple legal aid certificates.
Minister O’Callaghan welcomed the agreement, emphasising that the central reforms introduced in July would remain in place to promote greater efficiency, fairness and cost-effectiveness within the criminal justice system.
He also thanked Department officials and the Law Society for their efforts in resolving the dispute and expressed hope that solicitors who had withdrawn their services would now return to work.
The agreement marks an important development for Ireland’s criminal justice system, seeking to balance the need for efficient public spending with fair remuneration for legal professionals and continued access to legal representation.
A nationwide public sector strike scheduled for Thursday, 12th November, has been suspended following a breakthrough in pay negotiations between the Government and trade unions.
The agreement, reached after lengthy talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) concluded at approximately 3.30am, proposes pay increases of 10.75% over two years and nine months, running from July 2026 until March 2029.
The breakthrough has brought welcome relief to public services, with planned industrial action and ongoing work-to-rule measures set to be suspended while union members consider the proposals.
What Does the New Pay Deal Include?
The proposed €5.2 billion agreement contains a series of scheduled pay increases, including:
September 2026: 2% increase or a minimum of €1,200, whichever is greater.
April 2027: 1% increase.
August 2027: 1% increase or a minimum of €600.
November 2027: 1.5% increase or a minimum of €900.
March 2028: 1% increase.
June 2028: 1% increase or a minimum of €600.
October 2028: 1% increase.
March 2029: 1% under local bargaining arrangements.
2 March 2029: 1.25% increase or a minimum of €750.
Importantly, the agreement places particular emphasis on lower-paid public servants, with some workers potentially receiving increases of up to 18.3% over the lifetime of the deal.
The salary threshold for additional lower-pay provisions will also rise from €50,000 to €60,000.
Government and Trade Unions Welcome Breakthrough
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers described the proposed agreement as fair, balanced and financially sustainable, highlighting its commitment to improving public services while supporting workers facing rising living costs.
Tánaiste Simon Harris also welcomed the breakthrough, saying it would provide greater certainty for public servants and help maintain industrial relations stability.
However, Fórsa General Secretary and ICTU Public Services Committee Chair Kevin Callinan acknowledged that negotiations had been particularly difficult. He welcomed the improvements but stressed that rebuilding trust between public servants and the Government would require more than a pay agreement.
The proposals also include provisions addressing inflation, recruitment and retention, workplace flexibility, artificial intelligence and modernisation across the public service.
Union Members Will Have the Final Say
Despite the breakthrough, the agreement is not yet final. Individual trade unions will now examine the proposals and ballot their members, with voting expected to conclude in early December. Union representatives have emphasised that members themselves will ultimately decide whether the package is acceptable.
A Significant Step Forward
The suspension of Thursday’s strike represents an important development for public servants and the wider public, particularly those relying on schools, hospitals and other essential services. While the proposed agreement offers meaningful pay improvements and additional protection for lower-paid workers, its future will depend on the outcome of union ballots and formal Government approval.
For now, the threat of further widespread disruption has eased, with attention turning to whether public sector workers will endorse the new deal.
Cashel retailer issued fixed payment notice following CCPC Back to School inspections.
Source: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), 9th November 2026.
A Cashel-based business is among 15 traders named in the latest enforcement actions published by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
A.M. Office & School Supplies Ltd, trading as A.M. Office & School Supplies, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, was issued one fixed payment notice for failing to display product prices during the CCPC’s Back to School inspections.
The details were published on Monday, 9th November 2026, as part of a nationwide announcement outlining 19 enforcement actions, comprising 12 fixed payment notices and seven compliance notices.
The enforcement actions involved pharmacies, pubs and retailers across eight counties, including Tipperary, Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Wexford and Wicklow.
Mr Kevin Foley, CCPC Director of Consumer Enforcement, stressed that businesses must comply with consumer protection legislation and provide the pricing information required by law.
The CCPC has reaffirmed that inspections and investigations will continue throughout the year, with enforcement action taken where appropriate.
The inclusion of the Cashel retailer highlights the importance of clear and accurate price displays, particularly during the busy Back to School shopping period.
Consumers who believe a business may be breaching consumer protection law can report their concerns to the CCPC at www.ccpc.ie or by calling Tel: 01 402 5555.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death today, yesterday Monday 9th November 2026, of Mrs Celia O’Connor (née Morrissey), Bray, Co. Wicklow and formerly of Graneria, Milestone, Co. Tipperary.
Pre-deceased by her parents Denis and Bridget; Mrs O’Connor passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, while at her place of ordinary residence, following a long, fiercely fought battle with cancer.
Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; husband and best friend Brendan, adored daughters Sharon and Sarah-Jane, sons-in-law Paddy and Paul, cherished grandchildren, Sebastian, Arlo and Lily, brothers, Roger and Denis, brothers and sisters-in-law, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mrs O’Connor will repose at Thomas Murphy and Sons Funeral Home, Boghall Road, Bray. (Eircode A98 R673) on Thursday afternoon, November 12th, from 5:30pm until 7:00pm, same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Church of St Fergal, Ballymorris, Bray, Co. Wicklow, , (Eircode A98 FP93), to further repose for Requiem Mass on Friday morning, November 13th, at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in nearby Springfield Cemetery, Killarney Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
The extended O’Connor and Morrissey families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
“The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to all the wonderful nurses, consultants and staff at the hospitals of St. James and St. Luke, and the amazing team at Wicklow Hospice. A special thanks to Ms Valerie Walsh their amazing palliative nurse who supported and guided them with such love and compassion through the last few months of Mrs O’Connor’s life”.
Note Please: Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Wicklow Hospice, Our Ladys Hospice Harold’s Cross Blackrock and Wicklow, in Memory of Mrs Celia O’Connor (née Morrissey).
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death today, Tuesday 10th November 2026, of Mrs Christina (Chris) Thompson (née Kennedy), Raheny, Co. Dublin and formerly of Drom, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Mrs Thompson passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, while in the care of staff at Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Beaumont, Co. Dublin.
Pre-deceased by her beloved husband William; her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; daughters Cecilia and Berenice, sons James and Nicholas, sons-in-law Paul and Harry, daughters-in-law Elaine and Eve, cherished grandchildren, Cian, Andrew, Eoin, Matthew, Luke, Clodagh, Grace, Áine and Laura, great-grandchildren, Harry, Oscar and Tommy, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mrs Thompson will repose at Jennings Funeral Home, Springdale Road, Raheny, Dublin, (Eircode DO5 EE97), on Thursday afternoon, November 12th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, same evening
Her remains will be received into the Church of St Monica, Edenmore Crescent, Edenmore, Dublin 5, (Eircode DO5A397),on Friday morning, November 13th, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 10:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in Balgriffin Cemetery, Carr’s Lane, Balgriffin, Co. Dublin, (Eircode D17 K298).
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mrs Thompson, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Thompson and Kennedy families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
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