Criminal trials being delayed by six months due to shortage of psychiatrists, solicitors say

Last month, Judge Helen Boyle told Cork District Court that courts were 'reaching paralysis' in dealing with cases that require psychiatric reports. Picture: Larry Cummins 

Criminal trials are being delayed by more than six months where psychiatric reports are required, according to solicitors, while the College of Psychiatrists says an additional 350 psychiatrists are needed by 2030.

Kerry-based solicitor Padraig O’Connell said a lag in getting psychiatric reports was creating a backlog.