asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that many family cases are still being heard in the High Court sitting at the Four Courts, Dublin, due to insufficient courtrooms being available in the new building in Ormond House; and the steps he is taking to remedy the situation.
Written Answers. - Family Law Cases.
324.
The situation regarding High Court family law cases is not as represented in the question.
The High Court has one courtroom allocated to it in Ormond House where family law matters are dealt with on a regular basis. The particular judge dealing with family law matters changes from term to term. The nature of family law litigation involves in some cases renewed applications to court because of changing circumstances, and in some such cases it is desirable that the parties go back to the judge who has already dealt with the case. If it happens that he is not the judge currently sitting in Ormond House he will take the application in some courtroom in the Four Courts building, but on such occasions only the persons directly concerned are allowed to be present.
Occasionally it may happen that the family law list in Ormond House becomes overloaded with urgent cases one of which may be taken by a judge who happens to be available in the Four Courts. Again, any such case will be held in camera.