Tom Brabazon
Question:674. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average cost to the State of a murder prosecution and trial. [17002/26]
View answerTuesday, 3 March 2026
Questions (674)
Written answers
Costs associated with the prosecution and trial of those accused of murder are borne across a number of State bodies and agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Forensic Science Ireland, the Courts Service, the Office of the State Pathologist and, in cases where the defendant is remanded in custody, the Irish Prison Service. Costs associated with criminal legal aid and other administrative costs would also be applicable.
Given the unique and often complex circumstances that arise, as well as the range of stakeholders and the range of costs associated with such prosecutions and trials, the information sought by the Deputy is not available. Furthermore it should be noted that a significant element of the costs arising would relate to salary or pay. In this regard, the individuals concerned from the various State agencies and bodies involved in a trial will, at any point in time, have responsibility for several areas of work and it is not possible to account for the specific hours that an individual may have been involved in a particular prosecution or trial.
It should also be noted that, as Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, I have no role in the operations, functions, oversight or governance of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and am unable to provide any information relating to the Director's work as a result. The DPP is fully independent in her functions, under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 (as amended).