asked the Minister for Justice whether he will state what steps, if any, he has taken (since 17th October, 1928) to remove the delay incurred in obtaining orders, certificates and other documents, the taking of accounts and the making of inquiries which still prevails in the Examiners' Office of the High Court, and if he is aware of the loss and inconvenience which this delay causes to litigants, next-of-kin, and others interested.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Examiners' Office Delays.
I regret that since this matter was first raised the Examiners' Office has suffered a severe loss in the death of the former Examiner, the late Mr. T.W. Ellerker, who, as the Deputy is aware, was a public official of high character and exceptional ability. A new Examiner has, however, been appointed and two assistant examiners. The staff has been also further strengthened. The new arrangements have made it possible to clear off about 40 per cent. of the arrears to date in addition to the disposal of current work.
Will the Minister tell us if the volume of business going through the Examiners' Office corresponds with the volume of business going through the former Judges' Chambers, or is there an increase?
I would have to have statistics which I could not give off-hand to the Deputy in order to reply to that question.