Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 7

Written Answers. - Judicial Separations.

Michael Woods

Question:

30 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Justice the number of judicial separations recorded in 1993; the number which involved the division of land and the division of homes or other property; and the costs which are incurred in obtaining a judicial separation. [1975/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

Court statistics are compiled on the basis of the legal year which runs from August to July. The most recent statistics available of the number of judicial separations granted by the courts are for the 1992-93 legal year. The number of such decrees granted by the High Court in 1992-93 was 19 and by the Circuit Court 1,015.

The information sought regarding the number of these separations which involved the division of land and the division of homes or other property is not available. The costs incurred in obtaining a judicial separation would include fees charged by legal representatives involved in the proceedings, witnesses' expenses and so on which of course would very from case to case and are a matter between the legal representatives and their clients. In the case of individuals who qualify for civil legal aid the cost to the applicants is limited in accordance with the provisions of the civil legal aid scheme. The costs involved would also include court fees under the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, which would in general amount to no more than £60 and I am at present arranging to have proceedings under this Act exempted from the payment of court fees.