Vol. 470 No. 1
82 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Justice if she will review the opening hours of the Court Offices, Probate and Central Office, in the Four Courts during the summer, Christmas, Easter and Whit vacations, to facilitate a more efficient service to the public and lawyers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18450/96]
The opening hours of the several offices of the Supreme and High Courts, including the Probate and Central Office in the Four Courts, are governed by Order 118, Rule 4 of the Rules of the Superior Courts, 1986 (S.I. No. 15 of 1986). Section 68 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1936, provides that the power of making, annulling or altering rules of court for the High and Supreme Courts shall be exercisable by the Superior Courts Rules Committee with the concurrence of the Minister for Justice. It is not, therefore, open to me to make any amendments to Order 118 of the Rules of the Superior Courts.
I might add, however, that the terms of reference of the working group on a courts commission, which is being chaired by the Hon. Mrs. Justice Susan Denham, include a review of the operation of the court system, having regard to the level and quality of service provided to the public. The group's terms of reference embrace accordingly the questions of court vacations and hours of opening of court offices. I have specifically asked the working group to look at the issue of access to the courts during the summer recess period. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the group on this and other aspects of their work in due course.
