Vol. 426 No. 7
100 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice if she will make a statement on the general effectiveness of the small claims courts since their inception; the total number of cases handled by the small claims courts; the number of locations in which the courts are operating; and if she will extend the network.
The small claims procedure has been in operation on a pilot basis since December, 1991 in four locations — the Four Courts and Swords in the Dublin Metropolitan District, Cork and Sligo.
Up to 31 January, 1993 a total of 886 applications were received and 612 cases settled by the Small Claims Registrars.
To assess the effectiveness of the procedure I am currently reviewing all its aspects including the monetary limit and types of cases dealt with and the areas served by the procedure.
Until this review is completed I will not be in a position to deal with the Deputy's question concerning extension of the facility.
