The Courts Service has issued a statement saying that it is ‘disappointed and appalled’ that people chose to attend court in Dublin yesterday in large numbers, despite not being required to be there.

By doing so, the Courts Service says that they endangered themselves and exposed gardaí, court staff, and court users to the possibility of infection.

The crowd at the Four Courts in Dublin yesterday had gathered in support of former journalists, Gemma O'Doherty and John Waters, who had taken a challenge against COVID-19 restrictions.

The Courts Service pointed out that it has dramatically limited the number of court sittings by moving cases online and using staggered or adjourned sittings.

The Courts Service said that those who did have to attend court were able to do so in a safe manner, thanks to the measures put in place.

Public peril

The Courts Service asked again that members of the public be sensible and not gather at court houses during this time of public peril and threat to national health, if there was no legal obligation to do so.

Numbers attending court are highly managed

The Courts Service pointed out that the Irish tricolour flag was flown at all court buildings in response to allegations that the tricolour had been replaced by the European flag.

Managed

Everyday the numbers in court are managed before any sitting starts. 

The Courts Statement said: “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. 

“Regulations allow attendance where necessary at court sittings – specifically to fulfil a legal obligation to attend court – as being a permissible reason to travel outside the two km current norm.

“Safe spaces need to be maintained for those who are summonsed to attend court or who need to work there. 

Urgent matters

“But the public should be reassured that courts remain open to deal with urgent, emergency, and custody matters. 

“Access to Justice is being maintained as we proudly fly our national flag beside all court buildings – as hearings are underway. 

“All persons attending court buildings are alerted of the need to maintain social distancing by public notices throughout court buildings. 

“We are working daily to ensure access to justice is maintained,” it concludes.