asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that appeals lodged against a number of cases decided in the circuit courts in the year 1928 are still awaiting hearing, and if he will take steps to have all such cases heard before the Appeal Court as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral—Answers. - Circuit Court Appeals.
The number of appeals not yet disposed of, lodged in the central office up to the end of December, 1928, is 27. All these cases have been listed; but, whether due to the convenience of parties or counsel or owing to the absence of proofs, have not yet been heard. In these circumstances, I do not think that any action on my part is called for.
Is the Minister aware that in the Circuit Court in the year 1928 a number of awards were given under the Workmen's Compensation Act, that these were appealed against, that they have not yet been heard, and that the very greatest hardship in many cases has been inflicted on the claimants from the long delay?
I do not know what the particulars are; the Deputy only asked me the number. I have ascertained the number, which is 27. As to whether that number contains any workmen's compensation cases I do not know. But I can inform the Deputy, if he does not already know it, that the whole question of the hearing of Circuit Court appeals will be very shortly investigated by a Joint Committee of the two Houses.
Is the Minister aware that in many cases the delay is due to the fact that judges do not sit on an average more than three months in a year?
The Deputy can give evidence before the Joint Committee if he wishes.
Would the Minister endeavour to expedite the hearing of these cases?
Everything possible to expedite the hearing of these cases is being done.