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In Conversation with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Catherine Pierse

In Conversation with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Catherine Pierse: An insight into the Office of the DPP

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Catherine Pierse, was appointed on 8 November 2021. Catherine Pierse has over 20 years’ experience as a practicing solicitor in a range of criminal law and regulatory roles.  She joined the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as the Head of the Prosecution Support Services Division in 2018. Catherine previously held the roles of Head of Legal and

We are honoured to host Ms Catherine Pierse, Director of Public Prosecutions, for a special discussion event to mark the 50th anniversary of the Office of the DPP, reflecting on the role and responsibilities of the Office in Ireland’s criminal justice system, key developments and contemporary challenges in prosecution practice.

Chaired by Dr Charles O’Mahony, Associate Professor, School of Law, followed by an audience Q&A and light refreshments.

Venue: Human Biology Building Large Lecture Theatre

Date: Thursday 6th November 2025

Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Biography:

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Catherine Pierse, was appointed on 8 November 2021.

Catherine Pierse has over 20 years’ experience as a practicing solicitor in a range of criminal law and regulatory roles.  She joined the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as the Head of the Prosecution Support Services Division in 2018.

Catherine previously held the roles of Head of Legal and Policy in the Policing Authority; Senior Enforcement Lawyer in the Central Bank of Ireland; and Legal Adviser in the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

Educated in University College Cork and Queen’s University Belfast, Catherine qualified as a solicitor in 2001.