Use of video links in court urged

The use of video conferencing in criminal court cases is being considered by the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell.

Use of such technology has been strongly recommended by a committee chaired by Supreme Court judge, Mrs Justice Denham. The committee has sent its interim report to Mr McDowell.

Mrs Justice Denham said the justice system needed to embrace the possibilities presented by modern technology.

"The benefits accrued from video conferencing in terms of increased security, enhanced efficiency and reduced costs will by far surpass any efforts or investment needed to introduce the system."

Video conferencing would allow witnesses and those charged to give testimony to the court without having to be physically present.

Mrs Justice Denham said the technology had "greatly assisted the administration of justice in other jurisdictions".

Her committee has also forwarded draft legislation to the Minister which would allow for the introduction of video conferencing. It has recommended that a pilot project introduce video conferencing to two High Courts and a Circuit Court in Dublin as well as to a District Court in Cork.

The interim report recommends that the president of the High Court examine the current bail arrangements in that court and make any necessary changes to facilitate the project.

The Minister said the challenge was to use video conferencing to speed up the administration of justice, to save money and to maintain the rights of the prisoner to "appear" in court.

"Our courts system has taken many brave steps towards modernity in the past few years which greatly reduced waiting times and improved efficiency. This proposal will aid both the courts and the prisons to work more efficiently," he said.