Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy is to stand trial in April 2017 over the alleged false imprisonment of former tánaiste Joan Burton next year.
The Dublin South-West deputy is among a group of people charged with various offences arising from a water charge protest in Jobstown two years ago.
It is the State’s case that Ms Burton and her adviser Karen O’Connell were trapped in two garda vehicles while trying to leave a local graduation ceremony in November 2014.
Mr Murphy and 15 others are facing two charges of false imprisonment – an offence which can carry a life sentence on conviction.
Some of the protesters are also facing additional charges of violent disorder and criminal damage.
A young man and a woman will stand trial for various public order offences only.
Earlier this year, the DPP successfully applied to hold separate trials and it was decided today that they will be heard in blocks of three.
Deputy Murphy will stand trial with six others on April 24th next. The next trial is due to take place in January 2018 and the final block has been pencilled in for a date in April 2018.
The trials are due to take up to six weeks.
