Court hearings are being scaled back in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Court Service said it was trying to limit the threat to health posed by large gatherings, while also respecting people’s rights.
District Court
District courts will remain open across the country; however they will only hear urgent matters with all other cases to be adjourned to a later date.
People who have legal representation do not have to attend court and should instruct their solicitors to seek an adjournment.
Those who do not have representation should come to court to ask to have their case adjourned.
Video conferencing will be available for urgent cases involving people who are in custody.
Family law and child protection cases will continue as normal.
Circuit Court and Central Criminal Court
In the Circuit Court and Central Criminal Court meanwhile, no new trials will begin for at least two weeks.
Trials that are already underway will continue and jurors are required to continue attending.
However, anyone who has been summoned for jury duty in the next two weeks is not required to attend.
Urgent applications will be permitted in both courts.
COVID-19
All Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Circuit Court Civil and Family Law matters are generally to continue as normal as far as is possible and practicable.
Updates will be available each evening on www.courts.ie and the legal diary.
The Courts Service said the plans are being monitored on an ongoing basis and are driven by HSE guidance.
Public offices and courtrooms are being sanitised on a daily basis with hand sanitizers now being installed in public areas.
