Judge casts doubt on establishment of second Special Criminal Court
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A judge of the High Court has expressed doubts over whether a second Special Criminal Court will be established.
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald announced the establishment of the second court, under section 38 (2) of the Offences Against the State Act 1939, last October.
Seven judges were appointed to the second court - three High Court judges, two Circuit Court judges and two District Court judges.
However, Mr Justice Paul Butler told the Special Criminal Court he was “increasingly pessimistic” that the second jury-less court would be established.
He made the remarks while adjourning the case of two men accused of explosives and IRA membership offences.
Mr Justice Butler told the men he was “extremely doubtful” that a date for trial would be fixed at their next hearing on Tuesday 26 January.
The existing Special Criminal Court already has a 20-month backlog for new hearings.
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