Vol. 563 No. 1
504 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made on making the courts services available to people via the internet, particularly the Small Claims Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7156/03]
The Government attaches considerable importance to the provision of e-Services. In the context of the courts, electronic services offer the potential to maximise operational efficiencies, reduce paper log-jams, assist in reducing court waiting times and generally provide an enhanced level of service to all court users.
The Courts Service, in February 2001, published its five year strategy for information technology entitled "eCourts". The key strategic business objectives detailed in the plan include the delivery of a range of eGovernment initiatives which are consistent with the Courts Service's commitment to participate fully in the Government's initiative for the delivery of services by electronic means. The proposed electronic services will provide for electronic data interchange between the courts systems and the Garda Síochána, Prisons Service, Chief State Solicitor's Office, Probation and Welfare Service, etc. initiatives such as e-filing – capability for legal practitioners to file documents electronically with the Courts Service – and e-payment – capability to complete financial transactions electronically with the Courts Service – and initiatives such as self service HRMS, Human Resource Management System and Knowledge Web, providing the capability for all users to access common databases of knowledge.
The Courts Service, in collaboration with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, initiated a project to establish an on-line small claims procedure. A steering committee has been set up to oversee the development of the procedure on a pilot basis which will deal with disputed transactions, including e-commerce transactions, by consumers in relation to goods or services. I am advised that Phase 1 of the pilot project will be completed before the end of 2003.
I am further informed that the relevant forms necessary for lodging a case with the Small Claims Court can currently be obtained electronically.
