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

Summary

Mr Justice Paul McDermott, presiding over the Central Criminal Court, publicly refuted claims made by Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny in Dáil Éireann. Kenny, acting as Justice Spokesman, had alleged that court facilities outside Dublin, specifically in Limerick, were underutilised because judges were unwilling to travel from their base locations. He stated that witnesses and victims were forced to travel to Dublin despite adequate local facilities. Mr Justice McDermott described these assertions as "concerning" and "ill-informed," asserting it is "simply incorrect" to suggest High Court judges lack willingness to travel. He noted that during the current session, cases were heard in Cork, Kilkenny, Monaghan, and Tullamore, with Waterford expected to join soon. The judge emphasised that the Central Criminal Court actively seeks these venues to reduce the burden on victims, acknowledging the "extreme distress" caused by travel. Regarding Limerick specifically, he clarified that the court is currently unavailable, but stated unequivocally that if it were accessible, judges would travel there. He concluded by affirming that there is "no question" of any High Court judge being unwilling to travel to hear cases, reiterating the judiciary's commitment to utilising available regional facilities.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: High Court judge criticises SF TD's 'ill-informed' comments. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2022-10-24 Publication

Why: Speaking as he managed the Central Criminal Court trial list today (MONDAY), Mr Justice Paul McDermott refuted claims made by Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny in Dáil Éireann last week that court facilities outside of Dublin are being under utilised because judges are not willing to travel outside of their area to hear cases and because of a shortage in the number of judges. CNI source report

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Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report