Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. We could perhaps look at it in two ways.

The intention throughout Covid-19 has been that urgent cases relating in particular to family law and domestic violence will be prioritised by the courts, which they have been since the beginning of the pandemic. I am aware of issues because people in my constituency have contacted me about child access arrangements where perhaps one parent has used Covid-19 as a reason not to allow somebody to see their child. This is absolutely wrong. Restrictions brought in due to Covid-19 do not stop orders being implemented and should not be used as an excuse by any party. Every effort has been made, in particular since 1 September and the reopening of the various courts, to protect the most vulnerable people.

The courts are adopting measures to schedule court days in accordance with business so people are told when they will be heard in order that they can come at that particular time. This had often been a challenge previously. There are variations in the volume of work that can be safely carried out in the District Courts as some of the buildings have a greater capacity. We have introduced video links so people can have access to the courts without actually going in and seeing the person they are in court with.

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