The highest calibre of candidates are no longer applying for State solicitor positions due to low remuneration levels and heightened responsibility, according to the president of the State Solicitors Association.
Michael Murray, president of the association and State solicitor for Limerick city, told The Irish Times that a number of State solicitors are currently reconsidering their position. "Unless the terms and conditions of employment are greatly improved, they will not be able continue to give the type of service that is required and appropriate."
Mr Murray said the level of remuneration for State solicitors has not kept pace with the increased workload and responsibilities for the role. "The persons best qualified to meet this criteria are not applying for the position of State solicitor because it is no longer attractive."
The Government's "penny-pinching approach" towards payment of the Republic's 31 State solicitors could have very serious consequences down the line.
"Solicitors of the right calibre and more importantly with the appropriate level of experience will not apply for positions as they become vacant with the inevitable consequence that the criminal fraternity will enjoy a superior level of legal representation than the people of Ireland."
Mr Murray said that in recent times when no candidate for a State solicitor position emerged, candidates from outside the area had to be appointed. He pointed to a recent situation in Donegal, where two State solicitors resigned within a couple of years and the position was not readvertised. Instead, an appointment was made through the Civil Service.
"Donegal was not advertised because the two previous holders of the position from that county had resigned due to the poor pay and conditions and it was unlikely that suitable candidates from the county would apply."
A spokesman for the Government yesterday said that the post in Donegal "did not need to be readvertised", and the appointment of the person to replace the former State solicitor "followed normal procedures".
The spokesman also stressed that the individual who has been appointed has "very extensive experience as a solicitor" and is of the "highest calibre".