The Courts Service has said 55 solicitors have resigned from the criminal legal aid panel after the Government introduced a flat fee for those representing clients in criminal cases in district courts. 

Hundreds of solicitors have withdrawn their services from the free legal aid scheme in recent weeks in protest at the new payment system.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan introduced a new flat rate of €520 for solicitors for representing a legal aid client in a criminal case, which came into effect on July 1.

The Law Society has warned the move could have a devastating impact on access to justice, with concerns that defendants could face delays in securing legal representation and that court proceedings will continue to be disrupted.

To discuss the ongoing dispute, what it means for solicitors, and the potential impact on the justice system, we were joined in-studio on The Agenda this morning by Drogheda criminal solicitor Paddy Goodwin.

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The opening of a new HSE surgical hub in Swords, designed to reduce waiting times for patients across the Dublin North East region, has prompted fresh concerns about the future of services at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan.

The Government says the new facility will expand day-case surgery capacity, reduce pressure on acute hospitals and deliver benefits for patients in Meath and Louth.

However, while local representatives have welcomed the additional capacity, some fear it signals a further shift of healthcare services away from Navan and towards Dublin.

Campaigners have also questioned why Navan was not chosen as the location for the investment, pointing to the long travel distances many patients in Meath already face and warning against any further downgrading of local hospital services.

Chair of the Save Navan Hospital Campaign and Aontú leader, Deputy Peadar Tóibín, joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss those concerns.

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Up to 12 households at the Steeples Apartments in Navan remain without electricity following a fire in the basement car park last week, which led to several residents being evacuated.

Meath Fire Service has since issued a closure notice on the car park, warning it poses a serious and immediate risk due to fire safety concerns, including damaged electrical installations, inadequate emergency lighting and the absence of a fire alarm system.

Residents have also raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area, while some say they are frustrated by a lack of communication from the council and the apartment management company.

Independent Councillor for Navan, Alan Lawes, joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about this.

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Ireland’s growing wealth gap is being put under the spotlight, with a new report examining how a net wealth tax could be introduced and what impact it could have on the country’s finances.

The report argues that while many households continue to feel the pressure of rising living costs and stretched public services, wealth at the very top has become increasingly concentrated. It claims a carefully designed wealth tax could raise billions for the Exchequer, helping to support areas such as housing, healthcare and public services.

The briefing was hosted by Labour TD for Louth Ged Nash, who says taxing wealth is a key part of creating a fairer and more sustainable Ireland.

Deputy Nash joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us about the report, the proposals being put forward, and why he believes a wealth tax could bring about significant change.

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There is huge excitement building in County Louth ahead of this weekend’s historic All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final, but there are also calls for investment to ensure the county has the facilities to match its growing ambitions.

Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has raised the issue in the Dáil, calling on the Government to redirect sports infrastructure funding towards projects that are ready to move forward.

Deputy McGreehan has highlighted the next phase of the new Louth GAA Stadium, saying there is little point in funding sitting unused when communities are prepared to deliver major developments.

We heard about all of this on The Agenda this morning.

We also talked about the big game on Saturday and got some match predictions!!!

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In just over a week, thousands of music fans will descend on Slane as Luke Combs headlines two major concerts at Slane Castle. While anticipation is building for what promises to be a huge weekend, some local residents say they're becoming increasingly frustrated by a lack of information.

People living in the village say they still haven't been told what traffic management plans, road closures or access arrangements will be in place, despite the concerts being just days away. They say the uncertainty is making it difficult to organise work, childcare, carers and everyday travel, particularly as this year's event is much larger than previous concerts.

This morning on The Agenda, we spoke to one Slane resident, who says that with the concert only days away it is unacceptable that has been no communication between event organisers and Slane locals.

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Calls for reform of Ireland's bail laws are back in the spotlight as the family of Shane O'Farrell continues its long campaign for change.

Shane was just 23 years old when he was killed in a hit-and-run near his home in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, in August 2011. The driver responsible was out on bail at the time, despite a lengthy history of offending and a court ruling that should have seen him in custody.

Last year, the Government issued a formal apology to the O'Farrell family, acknowledging that failures within the criminal justice system had left Shane exposed to a danger he should never have faced.

However, almost a year on, Shane's family says meaningful reform has yet to materialise. Speaking before the Oireachtas Justice Committee this week, his mother warned that every delay leaves law-abiding citizens at unnecessary risk.

Lucia O'Farrell joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

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Calls for a statutory public inquiry into the treatment of older and vulnerable people during the Covid-19 pandemic have been brought to the European Parliament.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has used a speech in Strasbourg to highlight the experiences of families represented by Care Champions Ireland, an advocacy group campaigning for greater accountability and stronger protections for vulnerable adults.

Speaking before the Parliament, Mr Mullooly shared the stories of families who say they were deeply affected by public health restrictions and decisions made during the pandemic. He argued that while Covid may be over, many families are still living with unanswered questions and deserve a full public inquiry into what happened in nursing homes, residential care settings and the wider community.

We heard more about this on The Agenda this morning.

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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced he is stepping down as the MP for Clacton and will contest the resulting by-election, describing the move as a direct challenge to what he calls the political establishment.

Mr Farage made the announcement during a defiant address, saying he wanted to put his position back to voters and prove that there is continued public support for him remaining in Parliament. He said the decision was not about stepping away from politics, but about challenging what he described as attempts to undermine his leadership and prevent Reform UK from making further gains.

The announcement comes as Mr Farage revealed he is facing a second investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog over undeclared gifts. He has accused critics and parts of the media of unfair treatment.

Peter McVerry from U105 joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

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Excitement is building right across County Louth ahead of this Saturday's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final, with a real sense of anticipation taking hold in towns and villages across the wee county.

From homes and businesses decked out in red and white, to flags, bunting and jerseys flying off the shelves, there's no doubt that Louth fever has well and truly arrived. Shop windows have been transformed, local traders are embracing the occasion, and supporters are proudly showing their colours as the countdown to Croke Park continues.

It's not just about football – it's about community spirit, local pride and the boost that a major sporting occasion can bring to towns and businesses across the county.

This morning on The Agenda we heard all about the atmosphere in Dundalk, how local businesses are getting behind the team, and what this historic occasion means for the county ahead of the big day on Saturday.

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