Due to the unprecedented number of judges absent, the President of the District Court has cancelled courts 8 and 23 in the Four Courts for the remainder of this week.

Those attending court are requested to observe public health guidance regarding social distancing, hand hygiene, cough/sneeze etiquette and use of face coverings while in the court building and the court room.

The Courts Service has set out guidance on how to access the courts safely and all court users are expected to observe it, in order to help people safely navigate through court buildings.

Suspend cases

Judges may have to suspend cases until a safe environment can be achieved, the Courts Service has pointed out.

Absence of key personnel including judges, court staff, gardaí, Prison Service and legal practitioners may also result in individual cases being unable to proceed as planned.

Every effort will be made to minimise disruption, the Courts Service has said.