The new model, which came into effect last week, has led to solicitors withdrawing their services and serious disruption in the criminal justice system.

Last month, her solicitor told the court that Kavanagh needed more time to determine whether there would be any additional disclosure from potential witnesses, given the location of the alleged incident.

John Quinn, a lawyer at John M Quinn & Co Solicitors, was granted permission last week to bring an action seeking to quash the statutory instrument underpinning the new regulations.