A chara, – I write in reference to "Heavy caseloads in variousDistrict Courts" (Fiona Gartland, April 9th), which raises some interesting points illustrating how District Court services across the country are run and how under-resourcing, a lack of restructuring and little modernisation have affected the local communities which these courts are meant to serve.
The District Court is usually the first experience that most people have of the judicial system and unfortunately it can be a very difficult experience. Many of the courthouses throughout the country lack even the most basic facilities, such as waiting areas and consultation rooms.
As a practitioner, I have stood outside in every type of weather in rural family law courts, attempting to take instructions on the side of the street.
Other courts have been closed, which has had a detrimental impact on communities. The regionalisation of courts renders access to justice nigh on impossible for rural dwellers, and also requires large numbers of gardaí to exit their local town to attend court on court day.
As matters stand, it is difficult to see how a District Court judge could be expected to give a matter full consideration where that judge is expected to handle almost 15,000 cases a year. Daily lists often exceed 30 cases. Judges are under pressure before the day begins, simply due to the volume of cases.
For many family law cases (especially those involving children), the District Court is the first port of call. It is in effect the workhorse of the family court system, but the current structure is failing families and failing children, who are already vulnerable. Criminal matters are listed alongside civil and family law matters, often taking precedence, leaving family disputes without resolution.
The District Court system requires adequate resourcing of both finance and personnel if it is to be expected to meet current demand. It is of concern that efforts to extend the reach of the District Court to a greater extent in civil and debt-related matters will bring a service already under great pressure to breaking point. – Is mise,
DEIRDRE BURKE,
Solicitor,
Arklow,
Co Wicklow.