Limerick state solicitor says he might withdraw his service

The state solicitor for Limerick has said last night that he was on the brink of withdrawing his service unless a more acceptable offer on pay and conditions was forthcoming.

Michael Murray, president of the State Solicitors Association (SSA) and Limerick City state solicitor added that the system was "in danger of collapse".

The limerick solicitor accused the Government of spending more money on the defence of criminals than on their prosecution in the court system.

He was quoted as saying,

"They are prepared to pay funny money in legal aid to defend criminals but when it comes to prosecuting they want to do it on the cheap,"

State solicitor salaries range from €52,000 to €77,000.

Negotiations between the SSA and representatives of the Chief State Solicitor's Office are now deadlocked.