Judge shortage leads to High Court cancellations, including murder and rape trials

Ms Justice Mary Irvine said it will lead to the “probable postponement” of a number of criminal trials, “most likely murder or rape trials”

The president of the High Court, Ms Justice Mary Irvine, said she will do everything she can to have the cases relisted as soon as possible in 2022. File photo: Collins

The president of the High Court has said she has “no option” but to cancel a “substantial amount” of trials and hearings scheduled for October as it appears newly appointed judges will be unable to sit before November because they have not yet got their warrants of appointment.

The trials affected include all asylum cases listed up to October 29, some personal injuries trials listed for hearing in Limerick, planning cases and, possibly, some lengthy rape and murder trials.