02 November 2017

Press Release – Thursday 2 November 2017

It is with the deepest regret that the Office of the DPP notes the passing of the first Director of Public Prosecutions, Eamonn Barnes, who died earlier today. He was called to the Bar in 1958. Following a period in private practice as a barrister, Eamonn joined the Attorney General’s Office in 1966. On the passing of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 he was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions and established this Office in early 1975. He served as Director until his retirement in September 1999.

Eamonn Barnes was also instrumental in the foundation of the International Association of Prosecutors in 1995 and served as its President from 1996 until his retirement. The Association now has organisational members in 171 countries around the world.

Paying tribute to Mr Barnes today, Claire Loftus the current DPP said:

“I, along with my colleagues, had the greatest admiration for Eamonn Barnes as a public servant and as Ireland’s first Director of Public Prosecutions. He set up this Office, asserted its statutory independence, and established the highest prosecutorial standards which we still adhere to today. I join with the staff of this Office in extending our deepest sympathies to Mr. Barnes’ children and extended family.”

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ENDS