asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons at present in custody awaiting trial; if there are any exceptions to the practice whereby an accused person who has been returned for trial in custody is given priority in having his case heard; and, if so, when and in what circumstances.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Persons Awaiting Trial.
40.
The number of persons in custody awaiting trial is 11, six of whom are awaiting trial in the Central Criminal Court and five in the Circuit Criminal Court.
As indicated in my reply of Thursday last, the fixing of dates for trials is a matter for the presiding judge and accused persons in custody are given priority.
However, circumstances such as the non-availability of witnesses for the prosecution or the defence may at any time cause a deferment of a trial.