Justice Minister Dermot Ahern has defended controversial new legislation on gangland crime that he is forcing through the Dail without the normal debate.

The Criminal Justice Bill, which gives Gardai and the courts significantly increased powers to tackle organised crime, is expected to be passed into law by next week.

Civil liberties groups have criticised some aspects of the legislation, particularly the use of the non-jury Special Criminal Court to try gangland suspects.

Critics say the move is an over-reaction as there is little evidence of jury tampering in Ireland.

However, speaking in the Dail this morning, Mr Ahern said the Garda Commissioner believes that "the threat is such that the use of the Special Criminal court is justified".

He said court officials in Limerick had cited specific instances where gang members had sat in the front row of the courts to intimidate juries.