Written answers

Tuesday, 7 July 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Court Procedures

Photo of Pa DalyPa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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628. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if additional funding will be provided to ensure that swearing in of juries can be conducted while adhering to public health Covid-19 guidelines. [14215/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided the following update on this matter.

The priority for the Courts Service at this time is protecting the health, safety and welfare of all court users in line with current government health advice. A review of all Circuit and Central Criminal Courts is under way and a crime business recovery roadmap will be published by the Presidents of the Courts in the coming weeks. It is hoped that there will be a return to Jury Trials in suitable venues in September and a further phase 2 for the Michaelmas term. The Courts Service has indicated that, in the first instance, trials will be prioritised in county town venues of sufficient size to safely host jury trials.

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