David Byrnes: Why are we regressing on reform?

Retaining garda court presenters flies in the face of reform plans and points to a dysfunctional criminal justice system

Justice Minister Helen McEntee received Cabinet approval to bring forward emergency legislation to amend the Garda Síochána Act, 2015 to restore garda court presenters.

It is now beyond doubt that the State will not be appealing the High Court ruling in DPP v Davitt, which mandated the cessation of the long-standing practice of gardaí prosecuting cases on behalf of their colleagues in the district court.

These garda, typically sergeant or inspector rank, are known as court presenters.