Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has expressed her disappointment at the news that the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has committed to industrial action.

The Minister said that this CBA will impact most acutely on the victims and witnesses who are waiting to give evidence and receive justice.

Minister Long said: "The uncertainty caused by the withdrawal of services will only add further to the stress and anxiety they may already be experiencing.

"This action will also add to existing pressures on the system and exacerbate the delays that my department and justice system partners have been striving to address.

"My department has been proactively engaging with justice system colleagues to try and minimise the impact of the withdrawal of services and ensure those victims and witnesses who are affected are supported and will continue to do so if CBA action continues. I hope the association will take cognisance of the impact of their action and of efforts which they are aware are being made to improve the system for citizens and ensure fair proportionate remuneration.

"The CBA are aware that I am committed to continuing regular engagement with the Bar and the CBA to progress reform and to resolve the withdrawal of services. This includes delivering a significant uplift in fees. However, there is a process to go through, not least in terms of delivering legislation and we need time to do this.

"Industrial action will not speed up this process. It will only serve to further impact on the most vulnerable and those that are relying on legal representation."