Debate contribution: Courts: Delayed Cases
Debate contribution by Mrs Naomi Long on .
- MLA
- Mrs Naomi Long
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 19 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Courts: Delayed Cases
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5795841
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Reducing court delay is a priority for me, my Department and Justice partners. Through the Criminal Justice Board (CJB), the speeding up justice programme is driving reform to move cases through the system more quickly and fairly. Our five priorities are earlier engagement among police, prosecutors and the defence; committal reform; wider use of proportionate out-of-court disposals; reviewing the remit of the Magistrates' Court; and better use of digital technology. The early engagement gateway approach is improving file quality; oral evidence at committal has been abolished; and digital community resolution notices are reducing duplication. I intend to implement direct committal before the end of the mandate and introduce legislation shortly to extend penalty notices. The programme is also exploring options to expand the jurisdiction of the Magistrates' Court, enabling cases to be dealt with proportionately at the most appropriate level and supporting more efficient progression through the court system. There are plans to consult on that in the coming months. Together, those reforms will deliver swifter, fairer justice and strengthen public confidence.
172 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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