Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 3

Written Answers. - Courts Service.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

18 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the costs arising from the recent unavailability of a judge to hear the application in the case arising from the Veronica Guerin murder investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9094/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen):

The allocation of judicial resources and the distribution of court business in the Dublin Metropolitan District Court is a matter for the president of the District Court and is one in which I have no function. I have, however, had inquiries made in this case and I understand that on the date in question the taking of depositions was adjourned to the following day because the judge assigned had to replace a colleague who was unavailable at short notice due to illness.

The costs in so far as my Department is concerned, in arranging for transport and escorts on the day of the adjournment are as follows.

Cost to Prison Service	£325.84
Cost to Garda Síochána	£397.55

Costs were also incurred in relation to the attendance of members of the Garda Síochána who were requested to be in court on that day. These costs have not been compiled as yet. They will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they become available.