Fitzgerald to extend juryless court jurisdiction over organised crime

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald will seek Oireachtas approval for another one-year extension to the Special Criminal Court’s jurisdiction over organised crime cases.

There have been no prosecutions under section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 since it was introduced, The Times reports.

However, Ms Fitzgerald has recommended that the Oireachtas agree to extend its provisions to the end of June 2018.

Defending her decision from criticism by rights groups including the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, she said: “The provisions in Section 8 are expressly aimed at ensuring the integrity of the criminal justice system and protecting it from being subverted by criminal groups.”