Justice Minister’s comments raised during Laois drugs case
Solicitor Aonghus McCarthy spoke on the issue at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court
Comments by the Minister for Justice were raised in court in relation to the prosecution of a man accused of having drugs valued at €24,000 in Ballybrittas.
Thomas Ryan (40) of Srah Cottage, Srah, Rathowney, is accused of having drugs for sale or supply at Clonmone, Ballybrittas, Portarlington on May 3, 2024.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby asked for an eight week adjournment and told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that more time was needed as a certificate of analysis was awaited.
Solicitor Aonghus McCarthy said his client was not consenting to the adjournment and he asked that the matter be struck out.
Mr McCarthy said the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, had gone on Newstalk and made comments in relation to solicitors making unnecessary applications for adjournments.
“There is a systemic delay that is at the behest of the State. It is not Mr Ryan’s fault,” said Mr McCarthy.
Judge Andrew Gubbins said the case relating to the possession of drugs for sale or supply was first before the court in March 2026.
“There hasn’t been an application to mark it time passing or strike out,” he noted.
Mr McCarthy said “he ought not be criticised for consenting” and his understanding was that the file had been sent to the DPP in March.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the alleged value of the drugs was €24,000. He asked that the matter be adjourned back to December 14.
Mr McCarthy said “that would be nine months. Would you mark it peremptory?”
Judge Gubbins said he wouldn’t mark it peremptory but he wouldn’t allow any defendant “to be taken short” and he would mark the case time passing.
He noted it was October 19 and said he would allow two months for “the State to get its house in order” as he adjourned the case to December 14.