Dublin South West TD Paul Murphy is to stand trial over the alleged false imprisonment of former Tánaiste Joan Burton on April 24 next year.

He is among 18 people who face a range of offences arising out of a protest in Jobstown, West Dublin, almost two years ago.

It is the State’s case that the former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O’Connell were trapped in two Garda vehicles while trying to leave a graduation ceremony at Jobstown in Dublin in Nov 2014.

Paul Murphy and 15 others are facing two charges of false imprisonment – an offence which can carry a life sentence on conviction.

Some of the protestors 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’ll 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.