Vol. 515 No. 6
48 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the submission, if any, his Department will make to the review of the question of televising court proceedings to be carried out by the Court Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6850/00]
As I informed the House in response to a parliamentary question on 2 February last, the Courts Service, which I established on 9 November 1999, has responsibility under the Courts Service Act, 1998 to manage the courts and provide information on the courts system to the public and I understand from the Courts Service that the televising of court cases is a matter which will be reviewed by the service in due course. This review will include full consultation with my Department, the Judiciary, members of the legal profession, court users and other interested bodies.
The substance of the consultations with my Department and the formulation of proposals on this issue are at a very early stage.
This is an extremely important and complex matter and one which will require extensive consultation in advance of any decision. I intend to keep in close contact with the Courts Service on this issue and on completion of the review, the Deputy can be assured that I will look carefully at the recommendations which will emerge.
