asked the Minister for Justice if he can state when the proposed new Circuit Court Rules as drafted and approved by the Circuit Court Rules Committee will be signed and brought into operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Circuit Court Rules.
I presume that the question has reference to the draft rule in regard to costs and counsel's fees in the Circuit Court which was recently submitted for my signature by the Circuit Court Rules Committee.
The proposed new schedule of costs and fees provides for increases which in some cases are of a very substantial amount and, having regard to the criticisms that have been heard in the past of the high cost of litigation in the Circuit Court, I feel it incumbent upon me to give the most careful consideration to any proposal to increase these costs still further. The matter is having my attention, but I am not in a position to say when a decision will be reached.