Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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238. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of accredited media applications made to attend in camera family or childcare proceedings under section 40 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 or other statutory provisions in the past five years; and the number granted, in tabular form. [30964/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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It is important to note that the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, and the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. Additionally, management of the courts, including matters related to the administration of the courts, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, is independent in exercising its functions.

To be of assistance to the Deputy, my officials have made enquiries with the Courts Service who have advised that Section 40 (3A) of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (as inserted by Section 5 of the Courts and Civil Law Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2013) is the relevant legislative provision and does not require bona fide members of the press to make an application to Court.

The data requested by the Deputy is therefore not available.