Pre-trial procedures - Injustice of trial delays

The DPP, Claire Loftus, called last May for reform of pre-trial procedures.

Even in instances where 90% of defendants ultimately plead guilty, there is a lead period at the Central Criminal Court of a least a year and nearly a year in the Circuit Court.

Pre-trial procedures in such cases could clearly be speeded up, because issues could be disposed of without being left to the trial. The Rape Crisis Network of Ireland has welcomed Justice Minister Alan Shatter’s announcement that a pilot scheme will be introduced to speed up cases in the Central Criminal Court from October.