Second Special Criminal Court unlikely to sit before Easter

A High Court judge indicated on 26 January 2016 that a second Special Criminal Court is unlikely to commence operations before the end of the current legal term, with sittings expected after Easter. Mr Justice Paul Butler made the remarks during mentions at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, where trial dates for several cases allegedly involving dissident republican activity were scheduled for November 2017. The judge clarified that the establishment process, including appointment of a registrar and judges, remains under way. He addressed recent media reports suggesting he held pessimistic views about the court's creation, stating those reports mischaracterised comments he had made regarding a specific case involving two Mayo brothers charged with IRA membership and possession of explosives. The Government announced plans for a second court in October 2015 to address case backlogs, with delays of nearly two years reported in trial listings. Lawyers in pending cases may seek earlier trial dates once the new court becomes operational.