asked the Minister for Justice whether he has seen a report that the maximum civil jurisdiction of the District Court is to be raised to £500 and of the Circuit Court to £5,000; and whether he will make a general policy statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Jurisdiction of Courts.
165.
An examination of the desirability of amending the law in relation to the jurisdiction of the various courts is included in the terms of reference of the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure. I have asked the committee specifically to consider, as a priority matter, the question of increasing the civil jurisdictions of the District and Circuit Courts. I understand that the Committee have already given consideration to the matter and that they intend to submit a report thereon. I hope, therefore, to be in a position to make recommendations to the Government in the matter before long.
166.
asked the Minister for Justice if, in connection with proposals to extend the jurisdiction of the District Court, he will make that Court a court of record to enable judgments of that Court to be registered in the same manner as judgments of Superior Courts can now be registered.
As indicated in reply to Question No. 165 on today's Order Paper, the extension of the jurisdiction of the Circuit and District Courts is being examined, at my request, by the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure.
The particular aspect of the matter mentioned by the Deputy is, of course, one that has to be considered but, naturally, I am not in a position to say, at this stage, what decision may be taken.