asked the Minister for Justice if he has read the reports in a provincial newspaper of the 1st July, 1950, of the speeches made by the circuit judge opening the Circuit Criminal Courts in Trim and Drogheda in which the judge is reported to have stated that heretofore he had had the advantage of knowing the conditions in the county from official statistics produced before him, that these statistics had been stopped; that he had had the advantage, however, of receiving the chief superintendent and his officers in his chamber before the court and that he had ascertained that the condition of things in the county was normal, and if the Minister desires to make any statement on this matter, and, further, if he will state whether he has authorised or instructed the Garda officers concerned to attend in the judges' chamber to make secret reports to the judge prior to the opening of the session.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Judge's Statement.
I have seen the reports referred to, and I do not consider it necessary to make any statement on the matter.
Is the Minister aware that this type of conference may give the impression that matters relating to trials are under discussion; if that position arises, and it appears that justice is not being done, serious harm may ensue to the administration of justice. Does the Minister understand that under the Constitution the administration of justice must be carried out in open court and not behind closed doors in conferences between the judges and the Garda officers?
Or the Revenue Commissioners.
Or the Minister for Agriculture.
I have issued instructions that reports were not to be issued to judges. I cannot see any objection to their asking for a report on crime in the district. If a judge feels that he should consult the Gardaí about the state of crime in a district, I do not think I should prohibit that.
Does the Minister not realise that it should be done in open court?
I would prefer that.
It is nice to know.