asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to Press reports on 13th April, 1973, of a case before Thurles District Court at which a mother sought to represent her son and was precluded under the regulations which prescribed that, apart from legal re- presentation, the only other persons who may appear on a person's behalf are a father, son, husband, wife or brother; whether he agrees that this constitutes discrimination against women as mothers, sisters and daughters; and whether he will take steps to have the regulations amended.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Legal Representation.
18.
This matter is governed by the Rules of the District Court. The drafting of these Rules is the responsibility of the District Court Rules Committee and I come into the matter only to the extent that Rules, to become effective, must have my concurrence. I am, however, asking the Rules Committee to consider the amendment of the relevant Rule so as to include a mother, sister and daughter among the persons who may appear on behalf of a defendant.
I may add that any such amendment submitted to me will receive my concurrence.