asked the Minister for Justice whether any arrangements have been yet made under Section 103 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924, for the disposal of the pending appeals mentioned in it; and whether it would not be desirable that the legal professions and litigants should have early intimation of the probable course to be taken and the probable time or times, and that regard should be had to the harvest operations in making any arrangements under the section.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - COURTS OF JUSTICE ACT—HEARING OF APPEALS.
Mr. O'HIGGINS
No arrangements have yet been made. It is not possible to say precisely when the Judges of the High Court will be available to hear these pending appeals, but I can say, for the information of litigants and the legal profession, that it will not be earlier than the 20th September. The arrangements will be made as soon after that date as is found possible.
Would it be possible for the Minister to furnish the Dáil with a return showing the number of Civil Bill Appeals in the various counties?
Mr. O'HIGGINS
It would be simply a question of weighing the amount of work that would place on staffs against the advantage gained. Perhaps the Deputy would put down a special question and I will look into the matter.
Is the Minister aware that in the West of Ireland harvest operations will still be going on about the 20th September, owing to the wet season, and will he send the Judges first to the counties where the harvest is finished, and then to those where the harvest will be later?
Mr. O'HIGGINS
I do not send the Judges anywhere. I am sure in arranging their Circuit the Judges will take that fact into consideration.
Will the Minister represent it to the Chief Justice, I should have said.