Cancellation of trials will 'add to the trauma' for victims, advocates warn

Late on Friday evening, it was confirmed that President Michael D Higgins will move to appoint judges sooner, with the first due to be appointed on Tuesday

Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland Orla O'Connor said the delay between reporting a crime and a trial was a 'huge issue' for victims, and further delays increase stress for survivors. File picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

A decision to cancel a substantial amount of trials scheduled for October will "add to the trauma" for affected victims and international protection applicants, advocates have warned.

On Friday, the president of the High Court said she had "no option" but to cancel a "substantial amount" of trials and hearings scheduled for October as five newly-appointed judges were unlikely to be able to sit before November.