High Court judge criticises SF TD's 'ill-informed' comments

A High Court judge has publicly refuted remarks made by a Sinn Féin TD regarding judicial willingness to travel outside Dublin to hear cases. Speaking at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott characterised comments by Sinn Féin Justice Spokesman Martin Kenny as "concerning" and "ill informed". Mr Kenny had told the Dáil that court facilities in locations such as Limerick were underutilised because judges were reluctant to leave their home bases. Mr Justice McDermott stated that judges are consistently willing to travel and noted that during the current session alone, cases had been heard across Cork, Kilkenny, Monaghan, and Tullamore. He confirmed that the High Court actively seeks out available venues to reduce lists and accommodate victims and witnesses, adding that Waterford would soon become operational for trials. He noted that Limerick's court facility was presently unavailable but would be utilised if circumstances permitted.