asked the Minister for Justice if a report on crime conditions in the various counties is presented to the Circuit Judge presiding at the local sitting of the Circuit Court, and if it is the practice to include in such report particulars of the records of persons charged and to appear before the judge at that sitting.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reports to Circuit Court Judges.
The answer is in the affirmative.
Does the Minister consider it desirable that this practice should continue?
That is a different question, but it has obtained over a great number of years.
That would be an expression of opinion and Ministers may not be asked to express an opinion.
Will the Minister consider an investigation into the operation of that practice with a view to ascertaining whether or not injustices may arise thereunder?
Does the Minister realise that his reply will come as a shock to the public, that records of persons charged before those judges are given in confidence to the judge before trial and that that in itself is an indication of injustice which must shock the public?
That is a different question. This practice has obtained for a considerable length of time. The judge refers to the state of his county or district. There are a few things in this; it is a summary setting out the names of the people who are likely to be charged before him.
And their records.
I do not know exactly that.
If I can satisfy the Minister that the practice exists in some areas of supplying a short summary such as that described by the Minister setting out records and observations as to character by senior Garda officers, will he then consider whether it is a practice to be continued?
If any such evidence is available I would be delighted to have it, but I very much doubt it, because that is a confidential report and I do not know how it could be got.
I will undertake to make it available to the Minister.