Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
478. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice her views on the recent recommendation that domestic violence specialist-based remote witness hearings be extended to other courts, and also to inter-partes hearings, in family law cases around the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18765/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the evaluation report by Safe Ireland of a pilot trial in the Courts of Remote Witness Hearings for ex-parte orders under the Domestic Violence Act 2018, conducted in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, from May to December 2023. This pilot allowed users to submit ex-parte applications remotely from a secure and supportive environment provided by their local domestic violence service.
My Department has recently received a copy of the report, which my officials are reviewing. The report also has important relevance for the Family Justice Strategy, which contains an action to evaluate the impact of remote hearings to measure effectiveness, value, performance and user experience, and which falls to the Courts Service to lead on.
