Vol. 505 No. 4
147 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the situation whereby some sex abuse cases are before the courts for over four years with no sight of finalisation; the steps, if any, he is taking to correct this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13877/99]
I assume the Deputy is referring to sexual abuse cases which require the use of video link facilities. I am informed that the average delay in bringing such cases, from the date of return of trial, before the Central Criminal Court is 11 months and before the Circuit Criminal Court is 12 months. I am also informed that there are three video link cases where for a variety of reasons such as pending judicial review, trial dates in the Central Criminal Court have not yet been fixed.
Currently the Four Courts is the only venue with video link facilities and consequently all such trials are heard there. A second set of video link equipment was installed in the Four Courts in November 1998 to cater for the increase in the volume of cases requiring these facilities. It is expected that the operation of this second system will reduce the waiting time for hearing video link trials. Also, consideration is being given to the installation of video link facilities at venues outside of Dublin to reduce the number of such trials being transferred to Dublin.
It must be pointed out that there are factors outside the control of the courts which may contribute to delays in the hearing of any particular case. I must also emphasise that the ordering of the business of the courts is a matter for the courts and I, as Minister, have no function in the matter. Indeed, as the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, it would not be proper for me to comment on the conduct of any individual court case.
