Gerard Collins
Ceist:60 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Justice the progress, if any, which has been made with regard to the establishment of a courts commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5412/97]
Written Answers. - Courts Service.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to a similar question put down by Deputy Michael McDowell on 28 January 1997, in the Official Report, volume 473, column 1,675.
Since my January reply work has been continuing on the preparation of the legislation for the establishment of the courts service and it will be published as soon as possible.
In addition, I should mention that agreement has been reached with staff representatives to set up a sub-committee of the Departmental council which operates under the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the purpose of addressing the staff and industrial relations issues that arise in the context of the establishment of the new courts service.