EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules amend the Crown Court Rules (Northern Ireland) 1979 (S.R. 1979 No. 90) to give effect to Directive 2010/64/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20th October 2010 on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings. They make provision for interpretation and translation services for defendants, including defendants with hearing or speech impediments.