SINN Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, has called on the Courts Service to extend video-conferencing facilities for cases involving children.

The Tralee man said video-conferencing facilities are being established in Tralee Courthouse in order that prisoners who are on remand in Cork and Limerick Prisons can be dealt with, without having to travel to Kerry.

“This is a positive move and will save the State money by not having to transport prisoners from the gaols for a court hearing,” he said.

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“I am aware that there are three or four circuit court cases pending where a child is the injured party. It is stressful for any child to have to give evidence in a court hearing, however this can be exacerbated by having to travel from Kerry to Limerick or Cork.

“This could be avoided if video-conferencing facilities were available in Tralee.  The Criminal Evidence Act 1992 allows for this. Such a move would also go some way towards aiding victims’ rights.”

“I am urging the Courts Service to take the simple step of installing a video suite linking with the video system being installed in the courtroom to enable these children to stay in their home county when required to provide evidence in court,” he concluded.