asked the Minister for Justice if in order to avoid the cost, delays and inconvenience of writing out in longhand in District Courts evidence taken on deposition he will consider introducing legislation to permit the use of tape-recorders or other modern devices to record such evidence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recording of Evidence in District Courts.
5.
Mr. Ryan
The question of using tape-recorders or other devices in connection with the taking of depositions in the District Court has been under consideration in my Department but so far it has not been established that any of the systems now available would be an improvement on the present method so far as cost or delay is concerned. The matter will be kept under review, and if it should be found that any such device can be employed with advantage the question of securing any necessary amendment of the law will be considered.
I may add that a silent typewriter is at present being used to take depositions in one of the District Courts in Dublin. While the arrangement is working smoothly, experience to date is insufficient to enable an assessment to be made of the value of the new system so far as cost and improved output are concerned.