asked the Minister for Justice if he will furnish a return showing the number of cases awaiting trial in the Dublin Circuit Courts (up to say the 1st November last); whether he will state how many of these cases have been over three months awaiting trial and how many over six months; whether he will also state the number of appeals from the Circuit Courts awaiting decision in the High Court on the 1st of November last, and how many of these have been over three months and how many over six months awaiting hearing.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CASES AWAITING HEARING.
The number of civil cases awaiting trial in the Dublin Circuit Court on the 1st November last was 352. Of these, the number awaiting trial for over three months was 98. The remaining 254 cases were entered for the Sessions that opened on the 1st October, 1926, and I am advised that the oldest undisposed cases were entered for the June Sessions, and that consequently there are no cases which have been awaiting trial for over six months.
The number of appeals from the Circuit Court awaiting hearing in the High Court on the 1st November last was 603. Of these, 558 cases have been over three months and 277 cases over six months awaiting hearing.
Arising out of that answer, does the Minister propose to take any steps in connection with the Appeals Court, in view of the congestion there?
I have come to no definite decision. I recognise that the position with regard to appeals is unsatisfactory, and I am having it examined. But with regard to the other matter—that is the Circuit Court—the Deputy is aware that we have taken steps to deal with the congestion there.
I would like the Minister to give some earnest attention to this question of congestion in the Courts; it is rather a serious matter for business people.
As to giving attention to the matter, the Deputy can take it I am giving it attention. What I have said is that we have not arrived at any definite decision.