Victims & Witnesses

Being involved in the criminal justice system can be stressful for many victims and witnesses.

This section of our website is dedicated to victims and witnesses and tries to answer the question that people ask us most often.

Criminal Justice System

This section of our website provides a brief guide to the Criminal Justice System and explains what happens when: a crime is reported; a file goes to the DPP; the DPP decides to prosecute or not to prosecute; and a case goes to court.

Publications

  • Information for the Public
    Download booklets (also available in ten foreign languages) on the role of DPP, going to court as a witness, how we make prosecutions decisions, making a victim impact statement, and more.
  • Guidelines for Practitioners
    Find essential information for prosecutors, legal professionals and Gardaí.
  • Corporate Publications
    See our Annual Reports, Strategy Statements, Quality Service Charter, Protected Disclosure Reports, and more.
  • Conference Papers
    Read presentations and papers from conferences
  • External Publications
    Find relevant information published by other organisations.

Press Release

04 September 2024

Annual Report 2023

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ms. Catherine Pierse, is pleased to announce the release of her Office’s Annual Report for 2023.

About Us

About Us

The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was established by law under the Prosecution of Offences Act, 1974. The Director, Catherine Pierse, is independent in the performance of her functions.

Latest Vacancies

Latest Vacancies

We are currently running three competitions – one for Strategy and Planning Manager (Assistant Principal Officer) and another for Circuit Court Prosecutor for County Roscommon. Click ‘Latest Vacancies’ above to learn more.