THE COURTS system is about to be hauled into the 21st century, with a state-of-the-art system that will make the new criminal courts complex in Dublin one of the most technologically advanced courts facilities in the world.
The complex at Infirmary Road, which is due to open in 2010, will have video conferencing, digital audio recording and electronic evidence systems.
Fujitsu has won a €7 million contract to supply and manage the systems for five years.
Video conferencing and electronic evidence distribution systems will be installed in six of the 22 courts in the complex, while the remainder can be upgraded if necessary.
Once in operation, the video conferencing system will enable witnesses to deliver testimony from remote locations, reducing travel costs and time spent by witnesses and gardaí attending court. It will also facilitate the testimony of vulnerable witnesses.
The electronic evidence distribution system will allow images of evidence being entered into court to be shown on monitors, visible to counsel, judge and jury.
All 22 court rooms will have a new digital audio recording system installed, which can be used for transcripts or played back within the court if needed.
The digital audio recording system is already being piloted in a number of courts across the State, as part of a €16 million contract awarded to Fujitsu in January.
Tony O'Malley, account manager with Fujitsu, said security was a priority when devising the system.
"The security requirements would be quite high and the information is very sensitive, so that would have been taken on board when designing the solution."
The new criminal courts complex will house the Court of Criminal Appeal, the Special Criminal Court, the Central Criminal Court, the Circuit Criminal Court and the District Courts.
"This landmark building will the single greatest investment in courts buildings and services since the building of the Four Courts in 1796," said John Mahon, head of public-private partnerships at the Courts Service.
"On completion," he added, "this will become the new benchmark for court facilities worldwide."
