Ross deserves support on legal costs reforms

WE ARE almost a decade on from the collapse of the economy which followed the reckless largesse of the Celtic Tiger era. The banking collapse prompted the economic collapse and the arrival of the dreaded Troika. In some circles, the Troika’s intervention was even welcomed owing to the incompetence of the government at the time.

However, the period is remembered for the punitive cuts to public services and enormous tax hikes. There was an area, though, about which the Troika members repeatedly expressed their frustration. Senior officials could not understand why sheltered sectors of the economy were not reformed to be made more efficient and cost-effective for the public. Chief among these was the legal profession.

Independent Minister Shane Ross, who has a long track record of targeting vested interests, is now setting his sights on the exorbitant costs in this area.

He deserves the support of his Government colleagues but can expect much opposition to any changes.