TUV leader Jim Allister MP said:
“The repeal of the ban on Irish in our courts is a regressive move in terms of equality, justice and finances.
“The change will result in the legal profession becoming more a cold house for the Unionist community who are already underrepresented in the sector.
“Importantly it will also negatively impact on the delivery of justice. Often in a court setting how someone says something is just as important as what they say. If a jury can only understand someone in the dock through an interpreter important nuances in tone of voice and even hesitations will be lost. This will impact on the ability of our courts to deliver justice.
“Finally, this unnecessary move will add to the cost of delivering justice and result in delays in the system due to the growth in a need for translators for people who already adequately speak and understand English.”