Vol. 14 No. 35
On behalf of Senator Milroy, I move:
"That Seanad Eireann hereby approves the Circuit Court Rules which were laid on the Table of the Seanad on the 12th day of March, 1930, and resolves that it is expedient that the said Rules shall come into operation on the 1st day of January, 1932."
I second.
I would suggest to the Seanad that as the Minister for Justice is not here it would be better to adjourn consideration of these Rules until this day week. When the Courts of Justice (No. 2) Bill was before the House, I pointed out that some of the items in this scale of costs, which we are now about to pass, are more than they should be. Senator Gogarty thinks that a curious thing for a lawyer to say, or he may think so, but I am convinced we ought to have a discussion on this scale of costs, a discussion in which the Minister for Justice should have an opportunity in taking part. I do not suppose that we will be able to alter the scale of costs, but I understand that the Government intend to introduce a plenary measure dealing with the Courts of Justice, and I would like to have it on record that some of us at least, including lawyers, object to the high costs set out in the scale. We consider they are too high. As I said we do not hope to vary this scale of costs, but if they are put into operation we wish to give notice in view of the larger measure which is to be introduced that we consider them a little too high.
I support the suggestion that the matter be adjourned until the Minister in charge is able to be here. Senators desire to raise a number of points and it could not be expected that the Minister for External Affairs would be au fait with all these matters. I suggest, therefore, that the Seanad should agree to postpone the consideration of the Rules.
Agreed.
The Seanad adjourned at 4.5 p.m. until Wednesday, 4th November, at 3 p.m.
