asked the Minister for Justice if he proposes to introduce legislation in relation to the acceptance of majority verdicts in criminal cases where agreement is reached by ten jurors.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Jury Verdicts.
6.
I have explained to the House on more than one occasion that I could not undertake to indicate, by way of reply to parliamentary questions, what specific legislative proposals I might have in a particular area. This question however differs from others concerning possible legislative changes in that it relates to a specific undertaking given in the pre-election manifesto. Accordingly, without departing from the principle that I cannot undertake to announce specific legislative proposals until they are ready for publication, I am prepared to confirm that the Deputy need have no reason to fear that this undertaking will not be honoured during the lifetime of this Parliament.
I do not know if the Minister knows any more than I do about the lifetime of the Dáil. I do not for a moment wish to associate this party with any support for the proposal when it comes before us. Why has it taken three years to get out of the Minister a bland assurance that we will have the necessary legislation to implement point 4 of the manifesto on this issue under the heading "Justice"?
If the Deputy does not appreciate that the policy outlined on behalf of my party in the pre-election manifesto was a programme of work to fulfil in five years, then somebody on his own side should try and explain to him that his party came into Government——
Will the Minister stand on his own two feet?
The Minister should be allowed to reply.
(Interruptions.)
Has the Minister the heads of a Bill in relation to proposed legislation and have they been approved by the Government?
As of now I have not heads of a Bill but I would like to assure the Deputy and the House that quite a lot of work has been undertaken already in this area. I am sure the Deputy probably appreciates that when one has the heads of a Bill one has 90 per cent of the work done.
In view of the fact the Minister is proud of the work done to date, when does he think he might have the heads of the Bill?
I suggest that if the Deputy tables that question for me the first day of next term I will be in a better position to answer it for him. I cannot give him the answer now.
Question No. 7.
Would the Minister be as precise as possible in indicating to us at what stage the proposed legislation is at at the moment?
I cannot give the Deputy that information. If the Deputy knows anything at all about the work that goes into the drafting of a Bill——
Will the Minister tell us?
I will tell the Deputy. If the Deputy will ask some of his colleagues who were in Government they will be able to tell him.
I asked the Minister at what stage the legislation is?
It is not my job to educate Deputy Keating on what is required in relation to the drafting of a Bill.
I am learning very fast from the Minister.
I have already called Question No. 7.
Does the Minister also have to talk down?
Deputy Harte should remain silent.
(Interruptions.)
We would be satisfied if the Minister looked after his Department.