Press release
New legislation to overhaul the operation of criminal trials passed by the Oireachtas
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister of State for Law Reform, Youth Justice and Immigration, James Browne TD, has welcomed the passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas of a Bill that provides for preliminary trial hearings in criminal trials – a first in Irish law. The Criminal Procedure Bill completed its final stages in the Seanad today. This legislation is an important step in the overall implementation of “Supporting a Victims Journey”, Minister McEntee’s plan to support victims of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
Minister Browne said:
"This is the first time preliminary trial hearings will be provided for in Irish law. They have the potential to bring huge improvements and efficiencies to our criminal justice system – real progression that will be felt by all parties including victims, juries and defendants.
"We often hear of delays in trials due to lengthy legal argument over the admissibility of evidence or other such matters. While these arguments are resolved, the jury is sent away. These delays can be lengthy and disruptive.
"Preliminary trial hearings will help make sure that many of these matters can be argued and resolved before the jury is empanelled, reducing delay and disruption, and helping to keep proceedings on track and running more efficiently."
This legislation is being introduced following recommendations from a number of reports in recent years, including those on reforming how we tackle white collar crime and corruption and on increasing protections for vulnerable witnesses in sexual offence cases. The reforms introduced in this Bill will be of particular benefit to victims in criminal proceedings.
The Minister added:
"Victims have told us how difficult it is for them to have to mentally prepare for a trial, only to have it not proceed on the set date, or to have proceedings drag out due to repeated adjournments. I want to do as much as I can to make the trial process as humane as possible, while still protecting the important rights that accused persons have to defend themselves robustly."
The Bill will now be sent to the President for signing and enactment.