asked the Minister for Justice if he has been asked, on two occasions, by the Institute of Journalists (Dublin and Irish Association District) to increase the fees payable to Circuit Court stenographers; that on his refusing these requests an offer, by the association, to send a deputation to meet him to discuss the matter was also refused; and if he will state why the representations by the District Committee of the Institute have been turned down, and why he refused to meet a deputation from that body.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Circuit Court Stenographers.
At the instance of the Institute of Journalists, the question of increasing the fees payable to Circuit Court stenographers was fully examined some months ago. The conclusion was reached that the case for an increase had not been established and the Institute of Journalists was so informed. In these circumstances, it was felt that it would have served no useful purpose to receive a deputation.
Is the Minister aware that the fees fixed are £1 1s for less than three hours and £2 2s for more than three hours? The use of the word "more" surely means that if a man works for 24 hours, he gets no more than the £2 2s. laid down by the regulations? Does the Minister, as a man of common sense and justice, apart altogether from his Ministerial capacity, consider that a fair rate to pay to these men who have often had to remain in session for as long as eight and a half hours? From cases within my own knowledge, I know that men have had to remain working for much more than three hours, and, as I say, the word "more" can mean 24 hours, or any other number of hours you like. We know, and I am sure the Minister knows—I ask if he does know in order to put myself in order—that when these Circuit Court judges go down to the provinces, the court may continue in session for eight or nine hours. The Minister must also be aware—he should be aware; or is he aware?—that the circuit judge is naturally anxious to get out of the particular town or city as soon as possible in order to convenience the Gárda Síochána——
The Deputy, in the form of interrogatories or otherwise, is making a speech.
I am endeavouring to put myself in order.
The Deputy must be brief.
Is the Minister aware that, particularly in the provinces, the judge is naturally anxious to get out as quickly as possible in the interests of witnesses, Gárda Síochána and others concerned? Is he also aware——
The Deputy must put his question.
These are all notes of interrogation.
That does not make them questions.
The Minister must be aware, and, if he is not, I will make him aware of the facts myself——
The Deputy will not do so now.
Is the Minister aware that many of these men have been kept for as long as eight and a half hours, and that, by the time they index their notes, the period may have increased to 11 hours? Does he consider it fair or just that these men should be confined to the fee of £2 2s. 0d. in such circumstances? Is he aware, too——
The Deputy is making a speech.
It is a series of interrogatories.
The Deputy is making a speech. Question 33.
I submit that I am in order in asking these questions.
Question 33 to the Minister for Lands.
I do not want to raise this matter on the Adjournment. Will the Minister answer my question?
Question 33.
Will the Minister——
Deputies
Order!
I will obey the ruling of the Chair. I could raise the matter on the Adjournment, but I do not want to put the House to any inconvenience.