Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 2

Written Answers. - Courts Service.

Brian Cowen

Question:

201 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Justice the reason there is approximately an 11 month delay in having judgement marked in the Circuit Court Office in Dublin; her views on whether the delay is totally unacceptable since in many cases the judgment details will be totally out of date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6836/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed that there is currently a delay of between nine and 11 months in having judgments marked in the Dublin Circuit Court Office.

I am concerned that there should be any delay in the processing of cases and I have arranged that the staff in the Dublin Circuit Court Office will be deployed on overtime and also during the upcoming court vacation period commencing on 21 March, to tackle the arrears of judgments to be marked. I am informed that it is not true to say that due to delays, judgment details will be out of date. This will not be the case so long as an affidavit of debt has been lodged with the Circuit Court Office, and this is part of the normal process, within 14 days of the swearing thereof.

I am also informed that if any litigant is experiencing exceptional difficulties due to a delay in having a judgment marked and his solicitor makes representations to the County Registrar, the County Registrar will endeavour to mark judgment in such a case.