Jim Higgins
Question:279 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if summonses must be served personally on persons being prosecuted.
Written Answers. - Serving of Summonses.
The District Court Rules provide that "a summons may be served on a defendant to whom it is directed by delivering to him a copy thereof issued for service or by leaving such copy for him at his last or most usual place of abode or at his office, shop, factory, home or place of business, with the husband or wife of the defendant or with a child or other relative (residing with the defendant) of the defendant himself or of his wife or her husband as the case may be, or with any agent, clerk or servant of the defendant, or with the person in charge of the house or premises wherein the defendant usually resides, provided that any person (other than the defendant himself) with whom such copy is left for the defendant is not under 16 years of age and is not the complainant."
The Courts Act, 1991 provides for the service of summonses by registered prepaid post, by a system of prepaid recorded delivery or by hand.