Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Jun 1926

Vol. 16 No. 3

IN COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. - VOTE 33—SUPREME COURT AND HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE.

Mr. BLYTHE

I move:—

Go ndeontar suim ná raghaidh thar £47,024 chun slánuithe na suime is gá chun íochta an Mhuirir a thiocfidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Márta, 1927 chun pé cuid de Thuarastail agus de Chostaisí Chúirt Uachtarach agus Ard-Chúirt Shaorstáit Eireann nách muirear ar an bPrímh-Chiste (30 agus 31 Vict., c. 44, 114 agus 129; 40 agus 41 Vict., c. 57; 45 agus 46 Vict., c. 70, agus an tAcht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais, 1924, a. 102).

That a sum not exceeding £47,024 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1927, for such of the Salaries and Expenses of the Supreme Court and High Court of Saorstát Eireann as are not charged on the Central Fund (30 and 31 Vict., cs. 44, 114 and 129; 40 and 41 Vict., c. 57; 45 and 46 Vict., c. 70, and Courts of Justice Act, 1924, s. 102).

MINISTER for JUSTICE (Mr. O'Higgins)

We discussed the question of the staff of the High Courts rather fully when the Court Officers Bill was under consideration, and I do not think I have anything to add to what I said then. There are, however, two points in connection with this Estimate to which I should like to draw attention. This is the first time that this Estimate has been shown by itself unencumbered by the figures for the Land Registry and the Registry of Deeds. I think that departure is a good one and that it is likely to be adhered to. there is really no reason for associating the Estimate for the Land Registry and the Registry of Deeds with the Estimate for the High Courts proper. The second point is that the Estimate is based entirely on the facts and on the law as it exists, or rather as it existed when the Estimate was prepared about six months ago. In this Estimate we are still considering the old system modified only to the extent that we have taken advantage of deaths, retirements and transfers to other Departments to keep down the cost. Since the establishment of the State the cumulative effect of economies arising in that way, by the non-filling of offices in the case of deaths, retirements, and minor economies of other kinds necessarily limited by the rigidity of the existing system, is that there has been a reduction effected from approximately £100,000 to approximately £70,000 in the few years that have intervened. I do not propose to go in detail into this Estimate, having regard to the fact that the whole court organisation is in a state of transition and that it must necessarily undergo substantial changes during the present financial year, following on the passing of the Court Officers Bill.

Mr. HEWAT

I agree, in view of the transitory stage in which court procedure is at present, that it is not necessary to say very much on this Estimate. I would like to take this opportunity of asking the Minister whether he is preparing legislation that would tend to relieve Dublin jurors of the very onerous burden placed on them in recent years. I think it will be admitted that Dublin jurors have borne more than their share of the heat and labours of the day in this regard, and that they are entitled to some relief as soon as possible.

Mr. O'HIGGINS

I am glad the Deputy mentioned that matter, because otherwise I would have taken an opportunity to make a statement in the Dáil in connection with it. The heads of a comprehensive Jurors Bill have been drawn up. The Bill is in an advanced stage of drafting at the moment, but certain discussions and conferences will be necessary. I cannot see any prospect, however, that the Bill can be introduced in the Dáil for discussion and deliberation before the adjournment. In those circumstances I will have to consider whether it would not be possible to introduce a short Bill of a temporary nature which I would hope would be non-controversial and which would secure an easy passage through both Houses of the Oireachtas. That would give the relief which, I agree, is necessary to the jurors of Dublin sitting for the purpose of the Sessions that will take place in the autumn and winter of this year, and before the more comprehensive measure bearing on the general position of jurors will become law. I will endeavour to have a short, simple Bill of just a few sections prepared, and there may be the possibility of getting it through before the Oireachtas adjourns for the summer.

Mr. HEWAT

I am very much obliged to the Minister for his statement, and I think it is very satisfactory.

Vote put and agreed to.