asked the Minister for Justice whether he has completed his examination of the suggestions made to him in regard to the taking of depositions in the District Court, and whether he can now say what steps he proposes taking to improve the present unsatisfactory procedure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - District Court Depositions.
As I pointed out in the course of my reply to a question asked by the Deputy on 7th April last, an essential feature of the procedure for the preliminary investigation by the District Court of indictable charges is that the deposition, when recorded, must be read over in the presence of the accused and the deponent and then signed by the latter. This requirement rules out as impracticable the use of various kinds of mechanical devices which have been suggested from time to time. It likewise rules out the use of shorthand which would involve at least as much delay for all concerned and probably more inconvenience, as witnesses, for example, would either have to wait in court or return later on, when the transcript of their evidence had become available. After the fullest consideration. I am satisfied that, within the frame work of the existing system which I am advised on the highest judicial and legal authority should not be departed from, there is no practicable alternative that would be an improvement on the method of recording depositions in longhand.