Vol. 454 No. 2
13 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Justice whether she considers the present delays in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court which now results in trials being listed for hearing six months after they are returned for trial from the District Court to be acceptable. [10395/95]
21 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice whether she considers the present delays in the Central Criminal Court, where 16 of the 33 murder and rape cases listed before the court on 25 May 1994, had no trial dates fixed, to be acceptable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10394/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 21 together.
The cases of persons remanded on bail which are returned to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court this month are being listed for hearing in November. This represents a delay of six months, but the six-month period includes the two-month court vacation period of August and September. Cases involving persons remanded in custody for the offence with which they are being charged are given priority and are heard more quickly. With regard to the Central Criminal Court the delay in the hearing of cases extends to seven months excluding the court vacation period of August and September. Once again persons remanded in custody are given priority.
Delays in the hearing of cases in all courts are subject to a variety of factors many of which are outside the control of the courts. Cases which are listed for trial are subject to application for adjournment from either the accused or the prosecutor and indeed are often adjourned at the request of legal representatives in the interests of their clients.
Having said that, however, I must now say that I am very concerned by delays in the hearing of cases in the courts and in particular delays in the hearing of criminal cases, where delays can add further to the stress of victims and — or witnesses.
