asked the Minister for Justice if he has yet reached a decision on the request to establish separate circuit and district courts at Dún Laoghaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dún Laoghaire Courts.
91.
In the course of discussions with a deputation which I received from Dún Laoghaire Corporation on 30th August last, I agreed that the present arrangements for District Court sittings in Dún Laoghaire would be reconsidered as part of a general review which is now being undertaken of the District Court organisation in the Dublin area. This review will raise many issues of a complex nature requiring detailed study and consultation with interests affected. Early changes in the present arrangements are not therefore to be expected.
The deputation agreed that consideration of the question of having Circuit Court sittings in Dún Laoghaire should be postponed, pending the outcome of the revision of the District Court sittings.
Can the Minister expedite consideration of this matter? I do not know whether he is familiar with some of the problems that exist in connection with the district courts. Take Sallynoggin, which is in close proximity to Dún Laoghaire. Part of the Sallynoggin area at present is not within the area of Dún Laoghaire Corporation. The residents have to go to the district court as far away as Bray. If there is an appeal, they have to go to Wicklow.
That was brought to my attention by a deputation. Deputies know that the Dublin Metropolitan District Court area extends into Dún Laoghaire. The whole question of district court areas is now being reviewed in the light of that extension, and others as well. This anomaly of the law has been carried over from older days. I shall have that examination started and I shall expedite it.