Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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356. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department is considering the establishment of a second non-jury Special Criminal Court to hear paramilitary and gangland-related cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32774/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Courts Service is responsible for the management and administration of the Courts. The scheduling of court cases and the allocation of court business is a matter for the Presidents of the courts and the presiding judge who are under the Constitution independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. The Presidents monitor waiting times across all courts lists and seek to ensure the optimum use of court time.

I have been considering what measures might be taken to reduce the considerable length of time it takes for cases to come to hearing in the Special Criminal Court. When that consideration is concluded I will announce any proposals I have in this matter.