Courts grind to halt as staff picket entrances
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JUST one court sat yesterday in Dublin's Four Courts complex as pickets were placed on all its entrances.
The Master of the High Court, who is not a judge but deals with procedural matters for cases on their way to trial, held a normal sitting of his court to take applications from lawyers.
But the remaining 21 courts housed in the main Four Courts building, including the Supreme Court and three Circuit Courts, were not used.
Registrars who organise and call cases were among those who were on the picket lines yesterday. Office staff and judges' tipstaffs were also on picket duty.
An emergency judge was available throughout the day but was not required.
High Courts located in Bow Street and Church Street were also not sitting.
Prison officers also stopped working and picketed for an hour in the morning and another hour during the afternoon. Inmates were locked in their cells for the duration and cover was provided.
- Tim Healy and Shane Hickey
Irish Independent
