Written answers

Tuesday, 10 November 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Civil Registration Service

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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602. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when services will resume at the offices of county registrars; if consideration will be given to deeming them essential workers under level 5 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34769/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the imposition of new restrictions when the country moved to Level 5 of the Government's Plan for Living with COVID on 21 October 2020 has had implications for all aspects of public life, including the Courts and Court Officers. Nonetheless, the overall objective is to maintain access to justice as far as possible, even at Level 5, having regard to public health considerations, in terms of Court staff, and the needs of the general public.

The Courts Service Act 1998 sets out the nature of the relationship between the Courts Service and the County Registrar. Section 20 (1) of the Courts Service Act 1998 provides “the Chief Executive shall manage and control generally the staff, administration and business of the Service, including the functions of County Registrars insofar as such functions relate to a function of the Service”. The County Registrar is a statutory officer with a number of different roles, including under-sheriff functions, working closely with the Revenue Commissioners.

I understand the Deputy is interested in the current situation in the Dublin Circuit Family Court. In terms of the role of the County Registrar in family law cases, I am advised that there continues to be a facility available for urgent applications to be heard and legal representatives can contact the Dublin Circuit Family Court Office for an early date, if required. Plans are also in place for the early resumption of Court business to pre-Covid levels and the escalation of case hearings in line with the current Living with Covid plans.

My Department continues to be in close contact with County Registrars and Sheriffs, the Courts Service and the Revenue Commissioners, as they have been throughout the Covid crisis, to ensure that any particular issues are being addressed, as appropriate.

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