New figures from the Courts Service show a dramatic reduction in the number of criminal legal aid certificates being granted by the Roscommon District Court office following the introduction of the new Criminal Legal Aid Scheme in July.

The delay in the case of David Gallagher has occurred as a result of the ongoing solicitors’ strike about legal aid fees.

He had previously been charged with the murder of Canty, contrary to common law, at the Belfry, Bridewell Lane in Mallow.

The accused were unrepresented at recent hearings in circumstances where some solicitors working in the District Court are refusing to work under the revised legal aid scheme, which came into effect earlier this month.