Naomi Long

The Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan, last week announced plans to let broadcasters film, but not air, the handing-down of judgments in the Court of Appeal as part of a technical pilot.

The scheme is aimed at giving the judiciary and broadcasters a better understanding of the technical challenges and feasibility of filming proceedings should a statutory prohibition be removed.

Mrs Long said: “I very much welcome this pilot initiative by the Lady Chief Justice, which represents an important step forward in opening up our courts and engendering a better understanding of the legal system here.

“I look forward to continuing to engage with her on this pilot scheme, which will help inform further discussion on future possibilities.”

She added: “I look forward to seeing the evaluation of the pilot scheme and am open to a discussion on any recommendations that might be brought forward. Allowing broadcasting in courts would increase transparency and enable the public to view decisions being made by the judiciary in Northern Ireland. This can only be a good thing.”