A new practice direction has been issued for District Court sittings in counties Cavan and Monaghan, to come into effect from 1 September.

The direction includes a number of measures to comply with public health guidelines and advice. More details are available on the Courts Service website.

The direction says there is no need for a defendant to attend court where a defendant is either on bail or on summons and is represented by a solicitor.

If attendance is necessary for election or return for trial, however, the defendant should be told to attend alone and wait outside the building until called.

Check

A member of An Garda Síochána will attend court each day to check who is present outside and to call defendants into the court as required.

Under the direction, all civil matters, excluding small claims and enforcement, will be adjourned generally with liberty to re-enter. All family law matters, except domestic violence and Child & Family Agency matters, will be adjourned generally with liberty to re-enter.