Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 244: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in attendance in District Courts in Dublin on a daily basis; the cost of same; if efficiencies will be introduced into the current system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7235/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí attend the District Courts in Dublin as part of and in the course of their normal duties. It would be extremely difficult, and involve a disproportionate use of resources, to attempt to quantify the time spent by Gardaí in Court and the cost of same. I am further informed that the Garda authorities commenced a Court Presenter System as a pilot scheme in 1997. This System was designed to bring about greater efficiency in the deployment of garda resources by allowing Gardaí to give evidence by way of certificate of arrest, charge and caution with the purpose of relieving them of the obligation to attend court in person to give evidence orally. The Court Presenter System was extended to all Dublin District Courts in 1999. There are currently 14 Sergeants in the position of Court Presenter within the Dublin District Court Areas, as follows: