In a statement issued on Saturday, Judge Colin Daly acknowledged that some parents “may be concerned that they cannot fulfil the terms of these orders safely” during the current Level 5 restrictions across the State.

He said: “Even where there is an access order of the District Court, parents are responsible for making decisions regarding the safety of their children. You are expected to make sensible and reasonable decisions for your child’s safety.

“Parents are reminded how important access with their other parent is to your children. Access ordered by the District Court must be facilitated unless it causes a real and substantial risk to a child’s health or safety.

“It is important to remember that travel restrictions do not apply to access visits, this is not a reason to stop access over this period of greater restriction.”

Judge Daly continued: “Remember too that travel for children between households can mean greater risk to the child or to other vulnerable family members.

“You should be able to take a common approach between your two households to public health guidelines to make lives easier and safer for your children and your families.

“Discuss with each other what the new and increased level of restrictions will mean for you and your children over the next six weeks.”

He also warned: “Ensure that access continues wherever possible and that court orders are followed. Remember there may be serious consequences if a parent is found not to be supporting access as ordered with the other parent.

“If it is not safe to continue access as ordered, then try to agree what access can happen safely. If you can both agree an alternative, then it is OK to do this until the level of restrictions falls back again when access as ordered should resume. Keep a note of your agreement in writing, in an email or by text.

“If it is not possible to follow the court order remember there are many ways to keep in contact especially through phone calls and video chats, but keep in mind that children may have a short attention span for these activities and these are only a substitute for face-to-face contact.”