Bernard J. Durkan
Question:160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his schedule of law reform proposals for the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12908/04]
View answerWednesday, 5 May 2004
Questions (163, 164)
Written answers
I can inform the Deputy that my Department's legislative proposals are as contained in the Government's legislative programme announced by the Chief Whip on 26 April 2004. The programme will continue to be updated in the normal way by each Department at the beginning of each Dáil session.
The programme is, of course, without prejudice to any further proposals for legislation which I might bring forward for Government approval, details of which would be announced in the usual way.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to introduce legislation which might speed up the passage of family law cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12909/04]
View answerIt is not clear to me how legislation might expedite the passage of family law cases in the courts. If such a case is made to me, I will consider it.
As the Deputy will recall from my reply to a previous parliamentary question tabled by him in relation to family law, the Courts Service is responsible for the day to day management of the courts while I am responsible for ensuring that the service is adequately funded and, in this regard, €97.49 million has been provided in 2004. The resources provided allow the Courts Service to progress the implementation of its strategic plans and policies and to maintain appropriate levels of service. In so far as overall judicial resources are concerned, the matter is the subject of review.