On 20 April 2020, for the first time ever, the courts in Ireland sat with all parties being present in court via remote video technology.

These Virtual Courtrooms will add to the other Social Distancing measures introduced by the courts in response to the Covid 19 pandemic.

Both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal heard matters in individual cases via judges, practitioners and parties appearing via video from remote locations. The cases were displayed on video screens in largely empty courts for members of the media present.

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, welcomed the announcement by the Courts Service, while the Supreme Court conducted the short hearing this morning.