AQW 30205/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 03/09/2025
Answered On Date: 18/09/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice whether her Department will consider (i) piloting specialist or fast-track sexual violence courts in Northern Ireland; and (ii) assessing their potential to reduce the current median of 630 days of processing time, including the effectiveness of similar courts in England.

Answer:

My Department is aware of the ongoing Specialist Sexual Violence Court pilot in England and will consider what, if any lessons there are for Northern Ireland when the evaluation is published.

The listing and scheduling of court business is a matter for the independent judiciary; however, my Department is currently working with the judiciary and criminal justice stakeholders to support and further develop the voluntary protocol to expedite sexual offence cases involving young complainants and will continue to support such positive initiatives.