Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 8

Written Answers. - Dublin Circuit Court.

Seán Doherty

Question:

31 Mr. Doherty asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases which have been listed for sentence before Court No. 14 at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 12, 19 and 26 January and 2 and 9 February 1996; her views on whether the facilities in that court are adequate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3822/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The numbers of cases listed in Dublin Circuit Court No. 14 on the days specified are as follows:

Date	Sentence	Total Number
January 12	21	43
January 19	44	78
January 26	30	44
February 2	32	72
February 9	24	69

These total figures include not only cases for sentencing but also cases for mention and cases for arraignment — to fix dates for trial.

While Court No. 14 is unsuitable for its current use as a jury call-over court, this problem will be solved by the provision of a new large courtroom for this purpose which will be available in the former Public Records Office shortly. The new facilities include a large lobby area with TV monitor which will make it particularly suited to accommodate the large numbers attending at the time of jury call-over. Court No. 14 will continue to be used for criminal cases for which it is adequate.