New changes to criminal legal aid system announced

Sweeping new changes have been announced to the criminal legal aid system.

For the first time a Judge will now be in a position to decide if an individual should pay for or make a contribution towards their legal costs.

There will be fines of up to 4 thousand euro, or a 6 month jail term for anyone who doesn't disclose their finances.

Minister Helen McEntee says a Judge will be able to request financial information before making a decision on whether to award free legal aid.