Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 5

Written Answers - Courts Service.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

33 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is considering the views of the Chief Justice on the courts structure, as outlined in his lecture to the UCC Law Society on 23 March 2001; if he agrees with the Chief Justice on the need for a two-fold strategy, embracing both a re-examination of the present courts structure and a significant increase in the number of judges in the courts of first instance; his views on the Chief Justice's call for the establishment of a working group equipped with the resources necessary for a wide-ranging inquiry into the way in which the present system is operated, the delays and inefficiencies which result from its operation and the lessons which can be learned from other jurisdictions; his views on the Chief Justice's proposal for an amalgamation of the present three-tier system of first instance court, District, Circuit and High, into a two-tier system, for a permanent Court of Appeal with both criminal and civil jurisdiction; and for the Supreme Court to deal only with cases where a point of law of public importance or a Constitutional issue was involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11016/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

I have noted with interest the views expressed by the Chief Justice in the lecture in question. I have not, however, had any formal approach in regard to courts reorganisation from the Chief Justice or from the Courts Service Board, of which the Chief Justice is Chairman, and which is empowered under section 6 of the Courts Service Act to make proposals to me in relation to the distribution of jurisdiction and business among the courts. I will be glad to receive any proposals which are made to me by the board and will naturally give them careful and early consideration.