The court heard that the Dept of Justice has now set up a task force to address the issue.

Lawyers for the State had unsuccessfully tried to attain the services of over 10 psychiatrists before the Irish-born psychiatrist came forward after reading coverage of the State's difficulties online.

A lawyer acting for Ruth Purcell Healy (37), who is charged with the murder of her six-year-old son Matthew on February 9th last year, said they are trying to engage a psychiatrist and "may have an update" soon

Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the difficulty in obtaining reports is causing problems in advancing what are "very serious cases".