Minister for Justice Michael McDowell is expected to sign into law a statutory instrument today which will allow evidence to be given by video link in courts outside Dublin.
Under the present system, the statutory instrument that exists for such evidence applies only to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and the Central Criminal Court which sits mainly in Dublin.
The recent €26 million refurbishment of Cork courthouse included facilities for evidence being given by video by minors and other vulnerable witnesses, but the statutory instrument did not exist to allow such links take place.
The omission came to light at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Friday when details were being discussed of a case which was due to start today in which a young person was expected to give evidence by video link.
However, barrister for the State, Don McCarthy BL, told Judge Patrick Moran that the case could not go ahead as planned. "Video link machinery cannot be used in this courthouse.
Video link evidence can only be used in Dublin without a statutory instrument." Judge Moran directed that the relevant authorities be informed and Mr McCarthy said that he understood the DPP's office expects that a statutory instrument will be signed into law by Mr McDowell today.
