Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan plans to raise the proposed fee for criminal legal aid, responding to concerns from solicitors regarding recent reforms. The planned increase aims to address unrest within the legal profession, but is unlikely to fully satisfy opposition to the changes. Solicitors have voiced strong objections to the reforms, which they argue undervalue the work involved in criminal defense and threaten access to justice. The proposed fee hike is intended as a compromise, but legal practitioners remain skeptical. Details of the increased fee were not immediately available, but the Minister hopes it will alleviate some of the pressure. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the government and the legal community over funding and the provision of criminal legal aid. Further negotiations are anticipated as the reforms progress.