asked the Minister for Justice if he proposes to introduce legislation to remove the immunity of the State in respect of actions based on tort.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Immunity in Tort Actions.
The preparation of legislation to deal with the liability of the State in tort will be undertaken as soon as more urgent law reform matters have been dealt with. In this connection, I should mention that the Civil Liability Act, 1961, imposes a liability on the Minister for Finance in respect of loss of life or personal injury resulting from the use of State-owned vehicles. In addition, the Workmen's Compensation Acts define his liability in respect of workmen in State employment.
The existing law in respect of the rights and liabilities of Ministers of State and State authorities, in contract as well as in tort, will be fully examined and, when this has been done, work on a State Proceedings Bill to deal comprehensively with all such matters will be begun.