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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Jul 1970

Vol. 248 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - District Court Jurisdiction.

90.

asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the delay in having the jurisdiction of the district court increased, he will consider requesting the rule-making authority to abolish pleadings in contract and torts in the circuit court in actions up to £250 which it is assumed may be the new district court limit of jurisdiction.

While I am most anxious to secure a reduction in the cost of litigation and to achieve the more efficient discharge of all types of business in our courts, I am extremely doubtful about the propriety and validity of taking any action such as is suggested by the Deputy which would anticipate the enactment by the Oireachtas of legislation to alter the limits of jurisdiction of the district court. The Deputy's proposal would, of course, entail altering not only the rules of procedure in the circuit court but also the rules governing legal costs payable in respect of business affected by the new procedure.

Even if the proposal were to commend itself to the circuit court rules committee, it would inevitably take the committee some time to draft and make the necessary rules and, as I hope to introduce legislation early in the next session of the Dáil to provide for an increase in the limits of jurisdiction of the district court, I am satisfied that there is nothing to be gained by pursuing the Deputy's proposal.

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