I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 62 together.
The position generally in relation to the matters raised in these questions was outlined in my response to the question on 25 April, 1990 — Official Report, vol. 397, cols. 2167-2169 — and remains unchanged. What I said was that the Supreme Court decision, which consists of four judgements, was under examination and I was not in a position to indicate the steps that might be appropriate for me to take in relation to the matters concerned. I went on to say that in so far as new legislation might be involved I could not undertake to say, in the context of parliamentary questions, whether or not I might have proposals for legislative changes in particular areas. Any such proposals would be announced, in the ordinary way, only after Government approval.
That examination of the Supreme Court judgments, which is not yet concluded, will extend to the possible implications, so far as I, as Minister for Justice, may be concerned, of decisions made in civil cases. Pending the outcome of the examination I would not be prepared to speculate as to the effects on individual litigants.
However, I cannot accept the Deputy's assertion that thousands of criminal convictions are involved and the implication that numbers of convicted criminals would be released. That case is under appeal. In that regard I am aware of the recent quashing by the High Court of a conviction involving a prision sentence. I understand that no similar cases have arisen since then and I am not aware of any applications pending.
