Call for Urgent Appointment of State Solicitor for West Cork Raises Concerns About Justice System
A local TD has expressed concern over the lack of urgency from the Department of Justice and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in appointing a State solicitor specifically for West Cork. Independent TD, Michael Collins, has called for the immediate appointment of a dedicated State solicitor to address the pressing needs of the region’s justice system.
Collins highlighted the commendable efforts of the acting State solicitor in West Cork, Jerry Healy, who has been shouldering the responsibilities of both West Cork and North Cork since December 2022. However, Collins and the president of the West Cork Bar Association, Plunkett Taaffe, emphasized that covering both areas was an impossible burden for Healy.
The distinction between North Cork and West Cork court areas further complicates the matter. With courts in Bandon and Fermoy conducting proceedings on Fridays, it is clear that the workload requires separate State solicitors for the two regions.
State solicitors, who act on behalf of the State in prosecutions, play an invaluable role within the justice system. While each county typically has one State solicitor, counties like Cork require four – one for the city, one for North Cork, one for the East, and one for West Cork.
Despite assurances from the Department and DPP that the situation would be rectified by the end of the summer, Collins expressed disappointment and concern that the deadline has come and gone without any progress. He emphasized the importance of a fully functioning justice system in West Cork and the need for public and professional consultation.
Solicitors in West Cork agree that Jerry Healy has efficiently managed district and circuit court matters, but there remains uncertainty regarding a new appointment and the division of responsibilities within the county.
Collins concluded that West Cork deserves its own standalone State solicitor, highlighting this as another example of decentralization that fails to address local needs. The president of the West Cork Bar Association echoed these sentiments.
The Southern Star sought a comment from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions but received no response at the time of publication.
In summary, the urgent need for a State solicitor dedicated to West Cork has raised concerns about the efficiency and fairness of the region’s justice system. Despite the admirable efforts of the acting State solicitor, the workload is overwhelming and the lack of progress in appointing a dedicated solicitor is disheartening. The officials involved are urged to prioritize the appointment and engage in meaningful consultation with stakeholders. West Cork’s legal professionals and law enforcement personnel deserve a fully functioning system that caters to the unique demands of the region.
