asked the Minister for Justice if, with a view to expediting the taking of depositions in the District Court and the handling of criminal cases generally, he will have tape recorders introduced for the taking of depositions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Court Depositions.
96.
Mr. Ryan
The question of using mechanical recording apparatus for the taking of depositions was considered by the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure in connection with its examination of the present procedures for the preliminary investigation of indictable offences. The Committee's recommendations are contained in a report which will be published shortly.
97.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Justice if, having regard to the reported criticism of the authorities by a judge in the Circuit Criminal Court because of delay in the preparation of copies of deposition, he will have steps taken to expedite the provision of copies of depositions.
The existence of delay in the preparation of depositions in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was first brought to my attention on 6th instant, the day on which the matter was mentioned in court by the judge. I took immediate steps to eliminate this delay, and copies of depositions in the cases referred to by the judge have already been provided.