The Government last night announced that Fergus Gallagher has been appointed Dublin County Sheriff.
The sheriff undertakes debt collection functions on behalf of the Revenue Commissioners and is charged with enforcing court orders in civil debt. He also acts as returning officer for Dublin County.
The decision to appoint Mr Gallagher was taken at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said Mr Gallagher gained “significant knowledge” of the role of sheriff serving as an apprentice solicitor in the office of the Dublin County Sheriff prior to qualifying and entering private practice.
Since 1996, he has been a partner in Fitzpatrick Gallagher McEvoy Solicitors, a firm specialising in debt collection and asset recovery. The position was filled through an open recruitment process which was advertised in July.
To be appointed sheriff, a person must either be a barrister who has practised for no less than five years, be a solicitor who has practised for not less than five years, or have acted for not less than five years as managing clerk or principal assistant to an under-sheriff or sheriff.