A dispute over legal aid funding is escalating, prompting protests at courts and an urgent summons for the Justice Minister to appear before the Justice Committee. Criminal legal aid lawyers are pushing for a new, flat fee structure, arguing the current system is unsustainable and underfunded. The ongoing disruption is impacting court proceedings, with lawyers pausing work to demonstrate against the perceived inadequacy of legal aid rates. The Justice Minister is currently finalizing details of a proposed new flat fee, but it remains unclear if it will satisfy the legal profession. The Justice Committee seeks clarification on the proposed changes and their potential impact on access to justice. Further protests are anticipated if a resolution isn’t reached, potentially causing significant delays within the court system.