A High Court judge yesterday launched a scathing attack on conditions in the Special Criminal Court and contrasted them to the luxurious surroundings of the Courts Service headquarters.
Mr Justice Butler described conditions available to the defence in the Green Street courthouse as "disgraceful" after an accused man, who needed to use the toilet, had to be allowed out of the high-security court building to seek facilities elsewhere.
Mr Justice Butler said it was disgraceful that these conditions applied while the Courts Service "languished in luxury" in Phoenix House - a reference to the Courts Service's new headquarters in Smithfield, Dublin. He also criticised conditions in the judges' chambers, which facilitate three judges at any one time.
His comments came during the case of seven men on trial for IRA membership when Mr John Phelan SC, for one of those accused, Mr Des Long, requested a short adjournment to allow his client to use the toilet. Mr Long is a diabetic and walks with the aid of a stick.
The toilets available to the public were repaired at the weekend, having been out of order the previous week. However, there was an ongoing problem with the wash-hand basins and, under health and safety regulations, the facilities could not be made available.
The trial had to be adjourned while gardaí unlocked the main gate of the court to allow the accused man to cross the road to a public house and use the facilities there. On his return, Mr Long was searched again before being readmitted to the courtroom.
The Special Criminal Court, which hears mainly subversive crime, has been the subject of previous criticism over its cramped conditions.