Legal

Suspects who lie to get free legal aid to face fines

Move follows complaints over criminals with substantial assets receiving free legal guidance, which costs the state €81 million per year

Helen McEntee, the Minister for Justice, is bringing forward a new bill to tighten up the free legal aid system in criminal cases. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Criminal suspects will be fined up to €4,000 if they lie to get free legal aid under new government legislation.

It is constitutionally impossible to cut off free legal aid to criminals if they have no assets or income as they are entitled to a fair trial.

However, there have been frequent complaints that criminals with substantial assets are getting free legal aid, which costs the state €81 million per year. There is also no ...