Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to again raise the issue of the Ashling Murphy trial. I think it is important for us to highlight the sub judicerule, not only for this House but for people who are following our proceedings online. As we know, the sub judicerule is Latin for legal proceedings becoming active. In Ireland and other common law jurisdictions, it is not appropriate to comment on matters that are awaiting judicial decision. As we all know, this is to avoid circumstances where the trial will be affected by adverse comments.

In a time when it is so easy for all of us to publish content on different social media platforms and with the proliferation of social media, it is important in this matter not to comment on this court case and for our followers and supporters to do the same. If we are to give justice to the Murphy family, it is important to refrain.

The second issue I wish to raise today is regarding huge delays in the probate office. We are talking 12 weeks for a probate to be dealt with once an application has been submitted. It is causing huge frustration to families. There is also another issue in that the HSE is now not processing applications for birth, death and marriage certificates online. It is saying it is because of Covid-19. This is counter-intuitive. We are meant to be going online and not having face-to-face meetings. I cannot understand why the HSE has closed its online applications for certificates we all require. Could the Leader bring this to the attention of the Department of Justice?