Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2023
267. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice whether he has consulted with county registrars in respect of the proposed amendment to section 35 of the Court Officers Act 1936 which is currently contained in section 96 of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20218/23]
View answerThe Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022, introduces important legislative reforms across a number of areas. It is part of a suite of measures the Department of Justice continues to introduce to improve access to justice and modernise the Courts system.
Section 96 provides for an amendment which outlines the circumstances in which a county registrar will cease to hold office and the circumstances in which Government may remove a county registrar from office. It also outlines the process for giving notice and an opportunity for a county registrar to respond before a decision is made.
This amendment, which was subject to legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General, seeks to ensure that a sufficiently clear, robust and fair legal process is in place for the removal of a county registrar from office and is in-line with similar modernised provisions for quasi-judicial roles.
Officials within my department engaged with the Courts Service and the County Registrars Association about this amendment on a number of occasions.
