Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Court Transcript.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

550 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Court transcript can be made available to a sex-rape victim after a Central Criminal Court case without the victim having to go through the legal profession since the victim is, in the main, only a State witness and does not have his or her own legal team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12155/01]

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

Transcripts in criminal trials are prepared in accordance with the Courts of Justice Act, 1924, section 33, as substituted by the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1997, section 7. All court documents, including transcripts, are held by or at the order or disposal of the court. It is therefore a matter for the courts as to whether transcripts may be provided to any person. I have no function in the matter.