Legislation passed to allow appointment of 44 extra judges 

Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch outside the Special Criminal Court, Dublin, after he was found not guilty of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel. The lead judge in the trial highlighted 'huge pressure' on judicial resources.

The Government has passed legislation that will allow it to significantly increase the number of judges in the Irish court system, with an extra 44 set to be appointed by next year.

It comes after the lead judge in the recent landmark trial of Gerry Hutch, accused of the murder of David Byrne in the infamous Regency killing, highlighted “huge pressure” on judicial resources as the Special Criminal Court delivered its judgement acquitting Mr Hutch.