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

While I have outlined the work that is under way in terms of immigration, courts security and serving summonses, as the Deputy mentioned, a high-level group considered the recommendations relating to prosecutions. A report has been submitted which will shortly be brought to Government. A group chaired by my Department, comprising the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána, has also agreed on reforms to courts security, including the transfer of jury-minding responsibilities to the Courts Service. The group has also begun consideration of the serving of summonses.

Regarding the recommendation on prison escorts, the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 made provisions for remote hearings and the use of electronic means during criminal proceedings. Following this, the use of video link for court appearances by persons in prison increased significantly, with court appearances carried out via video link since early 2021, totalling in excess of 5,000 appearances, which obviously resulted in substantially fewer Garda resources being used for prisoner escorts. The Act also removed the requirement for Garda members to transport prisoners to another prison for the execution of a committal warrant in certain circumstances and, again, that has reduced the need for prison escorts.

Finally, regarding the coroner's court, my Department will engage in a wider consultation piece on coronial reform. That will start later this month and will form part of the overall reform piece.

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