Ruairí Quinn
Question:12 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work programme of the Law Reform Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24631/98]
Written Answers - Law Reform Commission.
The Law Reform Commission prepared its first programme, pursuant to the provisions of the Law Reform Commission Act, 1975, and it was approved by the Government and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in January 1977. The Commission have advised that the majority of the projects contained in that programme have now been dealt with in its published reports, consultation papers and working papers .
In addition to the first programme, research undertaken at the request of successive Attorneys General as provided for in section 4(2)(c) of the Act also formed a substantial part of the commission's work.
A considerable body of work has been completed by the commission this year. I welcome the publication of its reports on land law and conveyancing law, privacy and the implementation of the Hague Convention and its consultation paper on aggravated, exemplary and restitutionary damages.
A detailed account of the work undertaken by the commission under its first programme and research undertaken at the request of the Attorney General are to be found in the appendices to the annual report for 1997 which has been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Commission is also continuing its work in the areas of land law and conveyancing law and aggravated, exemplary and Restitutionary Damages as well as on the law of homicide, statute of limitations, drafting and interpretation of legislation and civil liability.
The commission is currently in the process of formulating a new draft programme for law reform to form the basis of its future work, with the intent that this programme will play a significant role in enabling the law to respond to the needs of our changing society. The new programme for law reform will be prepared by the commission in consultation with the Attorney General and other interests.