Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long called on members of the Criminal Bar Association to resume full services during Assembly questions on Tuesday. She stated that the withdrawal of services harms victims and witnesses unnecessarily.

The action stems from a dispute over legal aid fees. It has halted crown court cases that require legal aid. Derogations permit some trials to continue, including those for the 2022 murder of Natalie McNally and the 2023 murder of Chloe Mitchell.

In March, Long noted that nearly 1,000 court cases, including almost 200 trials, faced disruption. The Public Prosecution Service now decides which cases proceed based on offence details and risks.

Long said she commissioned an accelerated review with two independent leads to address CBA concerns. The review must conclude by April 27. She conditioned its start on the PPS prioritizing cases.

Resources go toward managing the action's effects, Long said. She asked barristers to return to work immediately.