asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on jury trials for civil actions in the High Court; and if he has any proposals to change the existing procedure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - High Court Jury Trials.
38.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 31 in which I dealt generally with the question of framing proposals for changes in the existing law. As has been indicated on a number of occasions the question of jury trials of civil actions in the High Court is under examination and I do not propose to comment further on it.
In light of the fact that the Minister's colleague the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy made a public announcement in this area, would it not be reasonable to expect the Minister for Justice, upon whom responsibility falls, to have an opinion of his own which he might ventilate in the House.
If the Minister's colleague talked about something which is not his own direct responsibility he did so not as Minister for Justice. I know he has an interest in this area naturally, but I have the ultimate responsibility on behalf of the Government of initiating any changes in the law on this matter.
May I take it from that, that the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy made that statement without consulting the Minister for Justice and without his direct approval?
No, that is not so. That would be unfair to the Minister who was dealing with a serious problem which affects his Department.
May I take it from that reply, that the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy consulted the Minister for Justice and had his approval for such a statement?
The Deputy may not take that to be a fact.
What exactly can I take from the Minister's reply?
The Deputy can take it from the Minister's reply that the matter is under examination and, when the examination is completed, and when I am in a position to announce proposals for change on behalf of the Government, I will do so.
That will be in the near or immediate future.
That will be when I am ready and when the Government so decide.
That is not a reply to the question I put to the Minister about the consultation he had with the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy before he made his statement.
There is tremendous consultation between members of this Government on all aspects of Government business.
May I take it that the Minister is refusing to answer a specific question?
(Interruptions.)
May I take it that the Minister is refusing to answer whether the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy consulted him before making that statement?
He neither did nor did not.
I will have full consultations with the Government on this subject.
Especially those who talk out of turn.
The remaining Questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.