Updated 14:10

From this month, members of the public will no longer be allowed to post on social media about a trial from the courtroom.

The Chief Justice has announced new guidelines in relation to social media use in the public gallery while a trial is in session.

Using Twitter and other social media platforms has brought court proceedings to a wider audience - and while that has been welcomed by many, it has also brought potential pitfalls.

An accused person is entitled to a fair trial, and court reporters must abide by certain strict rules to ensure that right is protected throughout.

To eliminate the risk of a member of the public tweeting or publishing something online that may prejudice a trial, Chief Justice Frank Clarke has today announced a ban on anyone other than bona fide members of the press and lawyers from using social media - or text messaging in any form - in courtrooms.

In a speech, he said the potential for unregulated social media to have an impact on the fairness of the trial process itself is a "legitimate and particular concern" for the judiciary.

Mr Justice Clarke argued: "I am acknowledging the existence, presence and huge power of social media in our lives. I am acknowledging the great good it can and does bring to many aspects of our lives.

"But I also have to acknowledge that - like all means of communications it can be used for good and bad." 

He added that if it appears the new rules will need to be reinforced by legislation, then the Courts Service will ask for that to be considered.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan welcomed the move, saying he is "fully supportive" of measures brought forward by court officials to manage court business.

He noted: "[It] will help ensure only those fully aware of the limits of what they can report and when will report live from a court room."

"The wider issue of the law of contempt and the use of social media in the Court context is currently under consideration by the Law Reform Commission who will be producing a full report in quarter 1 of 2019."

Additional reporting by Stephen McNeice