Courts service pilots 'virtual witness' technology
Prisoners, medical experts and witnesses will be able to make virtual appearances in court, using new video conferencing technology, it was claimed today.
The Courts Service is preparing pilot projects which will see video conferencing facilities installed in five courts and four prisons around the country.
At the launch of reports on the technology, Justice Minister Michael McDowell said it would allow for considerable cost savings.
“There are huge, positive advantages in terms of the cost transporting prisoners to remand hearings,” he said.
The report found the annual cost of transporting prisoners to the High Court in Cloverhill Court House, at an average of seven prisoners per sitting, was €220,000.
Video conferencing will be used so that bail and pre-trial hearings can be carried out, without the prisoner leaving the prison.
Mr McDowell said there was no reason why the technology should not be introduced.
“Obviously, it will require a legislative response. But I think the legislation would be uncontroversial... and could be put through fairly quickly.”
