A four-week block in April 2017 has been set aside for the trial of AAA TD Paul Murphy and 15 others accused of falsely imprisoning the Tánaiste Joan Burton.

They are also accused of falsely imprisoning Ms Burton’s adviser during a water charge protest in Jobstown, Dublin, in November 2014.

They were allegedly trapped in their car for several hours as they tried to leave a graduation ceremony.

Many of the protesters objected to four separate trials being held and have asked for the Director for Publin Prosecutions to give her reasons for deciding to do so.

Their cases have been adjourned until next month.