Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
191. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is standard practice to inform the victims of a crime attending a criminal trial in the new Criminal Courts of Justice about the facilities that allow the victim in a criminal case to have separate entrances and or waiting rooms for the accused in a criminal trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11913/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service. The Act provides that the Service is independent in the performance of its functions, including the provision of courthouse facilities.
As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply of 5 February 2013, the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) has separate waiting rooms for victims and their families in cases before the courts. Victims can wait in these dedicated areas away from other parties to cases including the accused or members of the public until their case is called. Where an accused person is in custody then they are brought to the court through a separate custody area under escort by the Irish Prison Service. Victims enter the CCJ through the main public entrance of the building along with all others attending the courts for criminal trials including accused persons on bail. I should add that where a child witness is providing evidence to the court via video link, these witnesses are brought to the dedicated suite through a separate, non public, entrance to the CCJ.
The Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime is an independent body which operates under the aegis of my Department providing funding for services and supports to victims of crime, including court accompaniment and other supports at court. €1.162m has been provided for the Commission in 2013, the same level as 2012.
The Courts Service works with the Commission and Victim Support to facilitate victims attending criminal trials. Victim Support Services are aware of the facilities available in the CCJ and are in contact, via the Garda Liaison Officer, with victims and families of victims prior to and during the trials. They can accompany victims to the CCJ and in many cases will bring the victim to the CCJ prior to the trial to allow him or her familiarise themselves with the court layout and facilities available.
