Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 30 November 2022
Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach
Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 5 - Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Supplementary)
Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In line with section 7 of the Prosecution of Offences Act, work is distributed amongst those barristers who have indicated a willingness to act for the office.
The director seeks expressions of interest from barristers wishing to be considered for inclusion on the various Dublin panels of barristers. Depending on the number of applications, a shortlisting process may be undertaken prior to applicants being called for interview. The interviews and any shortlisting process are conducted by a board established by the DPP. This method of outsourcing work to barristers in private practices is in keeping with the international practice in nearby common law jurisdictions. The office of the director believes the level of fees it pays compared to those charged to private clients and the significant reductions in fee rates made since September 2008 ensures that the State obtains value for money in respect of expenditure outsourced to barrister services.