The Courts Service has said it is “disappointed and appalled” at a gathering outside the Four Courts in Dublin today.
Around 100 people gathered in support of a High Court challenge against the regulations introduced to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The challenge argues that the legislation is unconstitutional.
In a statement, the Courts Service said: “We are disappointed and appalled that people chose, or organised, today to attend in large numbers, despite not being required to be there – and thus endangered themselves, Gardaí, court staff, and court users to infection.”
It said it has taken a range of actions to allow the courts to remain open while limiting gatherings that might affect the national COVID-19 response.
Among the actions are:
- A ‘dramatic’ reduction in court sittings
- Online services for adjourning cases
- Staggered or adjourned sittings
- Remote court hearings
- Video conferencing to reduce travel from prisons
“At this time of great public peril and threat to national health, we implore the public to be sensible and not gather in numbers in court houses,” reads the statement.
It said people are only permitted to attend court where they have a legal obligation to be there.
The number of people in court is managed before any sitting starts and there are public notices warning of the need to practice social distancing throughout court buildings
“We must ensure that amidst all of this, courts remain open to the public - to be seen - and for people to be able to seek to vindicate their rights,” said the Courts Service.
It said staff are working daily to “ensure access to justice is maintained.”
