Gary Gannon

Those delays have implications, very serious ones, for victims of crime.

The decision taken by the Minister for Justice, a unilateral decision, has resulted in our system of criminal legal aid and justice effectively grinding to a halt.

This is a mess of the minister's making. He must reverse these changes immediately and do what he should have done from the outset – sit down with the Law Society and meaningfully engage with them.

Thousands of cases have already been adjourned, people facing serious charges are unable to get legal advice and criminal courts have effectively come to a standstill.

It is a shoddy and, ultimately, very damaging way to do business because the courts are now in chaos.

The committee has concluded that the personal possession of drugs for one's own use should cease to be treated as a criminal matter and should instead be met with a health-led approach.