Statement from President Ryan relating to the work of the Circuit Court during Level 5 restrictions
21st October 2020: With the movement of Covid-19 restrictions to Level 5 for a 6 week period from midnight Wednesday 21st October 2020, matters in the Circuit Court will be dealt with as follows:
Criminal Matters
Ongoing jury trials will continue to conclusion. No new trials will commence until the 16th November at the earliest, the end of the review period, in accordance with Government Guidelines initial 4 week period of the restrictions.
All other criminal business scheduled for the Circuit Criminal Court will be dealt with as normal. This includes cases where the accused is in custody or on bail and covers sentences, arraignments, hearings, mentions etc.
Family Law Matters
All Circuit Court Family Law trials listed for hearing and Judges Motion's will proceed during Level 5 restrictions as per the Legal Diary.
Civil Matters
Priority will be given to Criminal matters and Family Law matters in the first instance. Please check the legal diary for local arrangements regarding civil matters, as different arrangements, subject to judicial and staff resources, may apply.
Personal Insolvency Matters
All Circuit Court Personal Insolvency matters will continue to be listed as per the Legal Diary and all applications and hearings will proceed remotely.
Ms Justice Patricia Ryan
President of the Circuit Court
21st October 2020