There is no such thing as a defendants dock in jury courts in Ireland - having a defendant secured in a dock is a feature of the British justice system. At most, there may be some seating reserved for the defendant on one side of the courtroom, but there is little in the way of physical separation from the public etc. In some circumstances, particularly where the defendant is on bail (and so not in custody), they can sit among the public. If the defendant is in custody, they'll sit in the defendant's reserved seating and Prison Officers will sit nearby to ensure they dont do a runner. Handcuffs or any other restraining devices are not permitted.
The reason being is that in Ireland, all defendants in court are persumed innocent unless they are found guilty at the conclusion of the case. If the defendant is in a secure dock, handcuffs etc. it may influence the jury into to thinking the defendant is guilty as it gives the impression that the person is a criminal - remembering that they are not a criminal until they are convicted and have the right to be persumed innocent unless proven otherwise.
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