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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 May 1980

Vol. 320 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - District Court Barring Orders.

28.

asked the Minister for Justice if he has any proposals to introduce a change in the prescribed time limit for barring orders made by the District Court, and if not, why.

28.

The Minister informed the House on 27 March, at column 928 of the Official Report, that he expected to be introducing fairly shortly, and certainly before the end of the year, a Bill dealing with the jurisdiction of the various courts. He had already indicated that the question of an extension of the barring order jurisdiction of the District Court would be considered in the context of that Bill, and that undertaking stands. I can confirm again that preparation of that Bill is going ahead and is at an advanced stage.

I am not, of course, free to reveal the specific contents of the proposed Bill but I have no reason to think the Deputy will be dissatisfied with it. If, however, he is dissatisfied when it appears, either in relation to barring orders or anything else, he will have the opportunity to put down amendments.

Is the Minister in a position to confirm to me whether or not there is a difference in the prescribed time-limit for barring orders made by the District Court vis-à-vis the High Court?

There is, in certain circumstances.

Could the Minister indicate whether the Bill will attempt to eliminate such differences?

In fairness, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on proposed legislation.

Does the Minister accept that the present situation creates difficulties particularly for certain sections of our community who would not be as readily open to applying to the High Court for such barring orders which, the Minister agrees, are more advantageous and, therefore, the Bill has an element of economic discrimination at present which I hope will be removed?

I intend to make no comment on what is in the Bill. I accept that there are areas of difficulty.

Which I trust will be removed.

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