asked the Taoiseach when the judgement in the case of the State v. Singer will be deposited in the Library.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State v. Singer Judgement.
5.
I hope to arrange to have a copy of this judgement, as revised, placed in the Library this week.
Is the Tánaiste in a position to say what day this week? The Estimates are now under discussion and it is rather important that this should be made available forthwith.
We shall have to wait on the convenience of the judge who drafted the judgement. That is the matter that is holding us up. I am not suggesting by that there is any undue delay on his part.
Has the judgement not in fact been delivered long since!
On the 29th June.
Is it not simply a matter of getting it typed?
This judgement runs to 25 pages. An unrevised draft has been received which is now being corrected by a member of the Supreme Court so that the House may be accurately informed as to the terms of the judgement.
Surely some steps could be taken to expedite checking and typing in view of the urgency of the matter.
The only person who can adequately revise the draft typescript is the judge who was responsible for writing the judgement.
Could the Tánaiste make no representations at all in regard to the urgency of having it completed so that it will be available to the Dáil in due time?
I do not think any representations are necessary. Anyone who is acquainted with the judge in question realises there would not be any undue delay on his part in dealing with a matter of this sort.
Has it been brought to his attention, in view of the desire of the House to dispose of the Estimates before a certain date in order to avoid the necessity of introducing a Vote on Account, that it is a matter of urgency that this document should be in the hands of the House at the earliest possible moment?
I cannot answer that question specifically "yes" or "no" but the members of the Supreme Court will, no doubt, be aware of the interest the Deputy has displayed and I am sure they will cooperate in ensuring that the judgement will be made available as soon as possible.
The Tánaiste might direct their attention to its urgency.
Does the Tánaiste suggest the delay is entirely a matter for the judges?
No, I have not suggested that. After all, the judges do not type their judgements. They have to attend, so to speak, on the physical disabilities under which people may labour in matters of this sort.
Would the Tánaiste say, if the judges are not entirely responsible for it, what are the circumstances in this case that have given rise to the difficulties which have created such a delay?
I do not know what innuendo the Deputy——
It is a question of fact.
It will be appreciated that 25 pages of a statement require some careful thought and revision.
Since the 29th June?