Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising what is an extremely important issue. She is correct that we have unfortunately witnessed a significant increase in domestic violence through the Covid months, due to the fact that many people have been at home and have had no other place to go for safety.

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service but I will outline where we are currently. I welcome the fact that the family law courts are continuing to sit. Throughout Covid, even with the diminished capabilities in the Courts Service they continued to prioritise urgent matters. Specifically, these were family-related matters but also domestic abuse. However, for the safety of everyone concerned, court business has been and must continue to be conducted in accordance with public health guidelines. As a result, there have been changes to the administration of the business of each court to ensure public safety. The net effect is that, unfortunately and regrettably, fewer cases can be listed every day in order to ensure that maximum attendance levels in courthouses are not exceeded.

The Courts Service has been working to reduce Covid-19 related waiting times. The existing courts video link has been extended to facilitate remote court sittings and we have in particular tried to prioritise and focus this on families where parents have perhaps not been able to get to court. I was glad to make an application, in which we were successful, to receive an additional €5 million for the Courts Service to increase the number of courtrooms and supports available throughout this pandemic.

The Courts Service has advised that regular business in the District Courts, which the Deputy mentioned in her question, has resumed as much as is safely possible since 1 September. These measures will however be constantly reviewed in line with public health guidelines and may be subject to change as the guidelines change or experience suggests changes are required. The Courts Service website has further details on that. Individuals represented by a solicitor should contact them to discuss their situation but if a case is particularly urgent and there is no legal representation, local court offices can explain how an early date for court can be obtained. Again, this is where there is a family-related matter or a case of domestic abuse.

My Department is actively working to deliver much needed modernisation of the family law system in Ireland. This modernisation includes the introduction of a new family court Bill and the development of a dedicated family court system.

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