James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for asking this very important question on the action the Department is taking to ensure provision of appropriate facilities and interview suites in Courts Service buildings for those who are vulnerable or who have invisible or visible disabilities.

The Government has invested substantial additional resources into the Courts Service in recent years to support the modernisation programme it is implementing. The Deputy will appreciate that the management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service. I can, however, assure her that the Government will support the Courts Service in its work to create an environment where justice can be administered efficiently and accessibly for all citizens.

I am therefore very pleased to say that the Courts Service has made a clear commitment to ensuring appropriate facilities are available for vulnerable people and those living with disabilities. New buildings are designed with a wide range of facilities for users including vulnerable witness suites, victim support suites, hearing loop systems and accessible spaces. It is Courts Service policy that all newly constructed or refurbished buildings fully reflect the specific requirements and aspirations of relevant law and good industry practice, including key building standards with respect to the needs of disabled persons, as well as guidance from the National Disability Authority on universal design principles.

The Courts Service has adopted the approach that full accessibility should be provided even in refurbished heritage buildings, which otherwise may be exempt in some respects. The approach taken is that facilities for all users and each of the separate circulation zones in a courthouse should be fully accessible.

Increased use of technology and remote courts has also eased some of the challenges associated with travel to court buildings for users with physical disabilities, and these facilities are to be expanded further. Similarly, the Courts Service modernisation programme and the growing digitisation of services have the potential to make access easier, while taking full account of the need to ensure that digital access is itself provided in an accessible manner.

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