Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We all recognise the serious threat of organised crime and the destruction and violence that organised gangs have wielded in particular communities. In that context, I am happy to support the motion but I also welcome the opportunity to review the operation of the legislation every 12 months. Jury trial is a fundamental right and a fundamental part of our criminal justice system, but section 8 provides for it to be bypassed or sidestepped by the Director of Public Prosecutions. I welcome that in the period under review, no cases were sent forward to the Special Criminal Court by the DPP in exercising her power under that section, nor indeed was that power exercised in the previous 24 months. That is useful as it indicates the sensible exercise of discretion by the DPP and I am happy to support the motion.