A Ballaghaderreen based solicitor who paid himself what an independent solicitor described as “extortionate” fees of €344,000 out of a child’s €454,840 estate has reimbursed that sum, the High Court has heard according to the Irish Times. 

The €344,000 has been lodged in an account controlled by another independent solicitor pending further court order.

The Irish Times reports that in addition to paying over the €344,000, Declan O’Callaghan, practising from Pound Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, has made proposals to the Law Society aimed at allowing him continue to practice under supervision of another solicitor, the president of the High Court was told on Friday.

The regulation of practice (RTP) committee of the Society will hear details of the proposals next week to decide if they are adequate or whether the Society should proceed with its application to suspend the solicitor from practice pending a hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT).

In the circumstances, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, on Friday, as sought by lawyers for the Society and Mr O’Callaghan, to adjourn the matter to early next month. An independent solicitor will be the sole signatory on the practice account in the interim.