asked the Minister for Justice whether any Circuit Court Judge has been nominated to perform the duties of the President of the Circuit Court during his absence abroad; and, if so, who.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Duties of President of Circuit Court.
197.
Mr. Ryan
So far as I am aware, the President's absence does not operate to prevent him from performing personally the special duties devolving on him as President of the Circuit Court, with the exception of attendance at meetings of the Circuit Court Rules Committee of which he is ex officio Chairman but which may function in his absence. The President's judicial duties are being performed by a judge who is temporarily assigned to the President's Circuit under Section 20 (2) (b) of the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act, 1961.
198.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Justice the date on which the President of the Circuit Court, Mr. Justice Barra Ó Briain made his Declaration of Office pursuant to the Constitution and the Courts (Establishment and Constitution) Act, 1961, and the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act, 1961, the date on which he was seconded for the purpose of assuming office as President of the Constitutional Court of Cyprus and the period of such secondment.
The declaration referred to was made on the 12th October, 1961.
As to the second part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a question addressed to the Taoiseach in this House on 23rd November, 1960. As indicated therein, the Government agreed to release the President of the Circuit Court from his normal judicial duties for a period of one year, to enable him to accept appointment as President of the High Court of Cyprus. The appointment took effect from 15th November, 1960.
It has recently been decided, however, on the urgent representations of the Cypriot Government, to extend the period of release by two months.