Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is understandable. Family visits are so important, for obvious reasons, but so is the taking of legal instructions.

It is understandable in the context of the broader modernisation programme that it is not necessary for people to attend every court appearance. That may particularly be the case on the criminal side of things. On the family law side of things, though, cases involving many prisoners are heard in the District Court in Dolphin House, such as childcare proceedings, for example. It could be important for those involved to be able to be present to articulate their cases. I ask that the Department follow up in this regard and ensure that this aspect is resumed as quickly as possible. There is as much need to give and take legal instruction in those family cases as there is in criminal justice cases. It is not possible to replicate the process over Zoom in perpetuity. It is not possible to give advice or take instructions in the same way through that medium. Family visits are the priority, but, equally, I urge that, where possible, visits where legal advice can be given and taken be resumed as quickly as possible as well.