Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 9

Ceisteanna — Questions Written Answers. - Enforcement of Court Orders.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

9 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice in view of a reply to Parliamentary Question No. 105 of 10 May 1994, in relation to the enforcement of court orders by a sheriff, the number of times she has directed that the sheriff in each or any of the county boroughs should submit annual or other returns and accounts under section 12 (6) (d) of the Court Officer's Act, 1945; if she ever visited the offices of any sheriff to examine the accounts and the work carried out under section 12 (6) (e) of the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

With regard to the enforcement of court orders, section 3 of the Enforcement of Court Orders Act, 1926, provides that, subject to the provisions of that Act and of rules of court, all court orders shall be executed by the sheriff. I have, therefore, no function in these matters.

The powers vested in me under section 12 (6) of the Court Officers Act, 1945 relate to the office of sheriff. I have not exercised these powers since taking office. However, in the past, periodic inspections of sheriff's offices were authorised and sheriffs were directed from time to time to furnish statements of accounts, as a result of which my Department receives certified audited half-yearly statements of accounts.