Naomi Long

Mrs Long set out a timetable for the implementation of the Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Act 2022 after it received royal assent earlier this week.

“The first phase, which is planned for implementation in September 2022, will mean that for new cases brought forward from this point, no victim or witness can be put on the stand to be examined and cross-examined in a committal hearing before the actual trial,” the minister said.

“In tandem, my Department is also working towards implementing the second phase of this programme of work. This will allow cases involving some of the most serious offences to bypass a traditional committal hearing and go directly to the Crown Court.

“Provisions in this second phase are expected to require a longer lead in time to implement, however every effort will be made to do so as expediently as possible. I have asked my officials to work towards an implementation date in early 2024.”