Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Oct 1995

Vol. 456 No. 4

Written Answers. - Incorporated Law Society Case.

John O'Donoghue

Question:

61 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the reason the Government sought and was awarded costs which may amount to £300,000 in a case (details supplied) when the same court had held that the students had been victims of unlawful discrimination under EU law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14030/95]

John O'Donoghue

Question:

62 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the reason she took no action in relation to the treatment by the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland of students from Queens University, Belfast; in particular, the reason no action was taken when the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland failed to respond to a letter from the former Minister for Justice, Deputy Geoghegan-Quinn, whose letter was dated 12 September 1994; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14018/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 62 together.

The matters to which the Deputy refers were the subject of recent proceedings in the High Court — Bloomer & Others.v. The Law Society, Ireland and the Attorney General. The High Court delivered its judgment on 22 September 1995 and I understand that the plaintiffs have since lodged a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court. In the circumstances I do not consider that it would be appropriate to address at this stage the matters in the Deputy's question which include a number of misconceptions.