asked the Minister for Justice when the proposed legislation to relieve local authorities of some of the burden of claims in respect of malicious damage will be introduced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Malicious Damage Claims.
26.
The text of a Bill to amend and consolidate the law relating to compensation for malicious damage to property, which will provide for a number of changes which will reduce the cost to local authorities of malicious injuries proceedings, has been prepared and is now under examination in my Department. I hope to be in a position to introduce the Bill early in the New Year.
Can the Minister say whether the legislation will have retrospective effect?
No.
Can the Minister say whether it will be possible to put the Bill through before the estimates for 1972?
I understand they are going through tonight.
The Minister misunderstands. I am talking about the local authority estimates for 1971-72. These will be submitted about mid-February and can the Minister say whether this non-contentious Bill can be put through before then?
I do not think there is much chance of that and neither would I be certain that it will be non-contentious.
Will the Minister endeavour to have the Bill through before the local authority estimates are submitted?
I am trying to expedite it but this is difficult because it is a very important Bill and needs a good deal of examination.