Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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118. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for the establishment of a second Special Criminal Court; when such a court will come into force; its composition; the funding to be provided; and the duration of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38461/15]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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131. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the setting up of a second Special Criminal Court will assist those awaiting trial, and deal with delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38607/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 131 together.

The Deputy will be aware that last week the Government appointed seven serving judges to the bench of the second Special Criminal Court that was established by Government Order on 14 December 2004. There is a backlog of cases in the existing Special Criminal Court with delays of approximately twenty months in cases coming to trial. Bearing this in mind together with the particular types of offences with which the Special Criminal Court is concerned, I sought the necessary Government approval to appoint judges to the second Special Criminal Court, thereby bringing it into existence.

The second Special Criminal Court comprises 3 High Court judges, 2 Circuit Court judges and 2 District Court judges. There are certain practical and procedural works which need to be undertaken before the second Court starts hearing cases such as organisation of a courtroom and chamber accommodation for judges and the drafting of rules of court among other things and I have requested that this work be commenced without delay. The appointment of additional court staff including a Court Registrar will be also required to facilitate the operation of the Court. Additional costs that will arise from the setting up of the second Special Criminal Court will be met from within the Courts Service Vote.

The Courts Service has informed me that the next available date for the hearing of cases before the existing Special Criminal Court is June 2017. I anticipate that when the second Special Criminal Court commences hearing cases there will be a reduction in waiting times for cases awaiting trial.