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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Criminal Proceedings.

David Stanton

Ceist:

1411 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to update the Criminal Evidence Act, 1992, to provide for electronic evidence in civil proceedings; the timescale in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17101/02]

David Stanton

Ceist:

1412 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he has taken or proposes to take to encourage national courts to develop e-commerce expertise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17103/02]

David Stanton

Ceist:

1413 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to establish an on-line small claims court to deal with disputed e-commerce transactions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17104/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1411, 1412 and 1413 together.

The Government attaches considerable importance to the provision of e-services. In the context of the courts, electronic services offer the potential to maximise operational efficiencies, reduce paper log-jams, assist in reducing court waiting times and generally provide an enhanced level of service to all court users.
I am advised by the Courts Service that parties to civil proceedings can, if they so consent, use video-link and the facility has been availed of on a number of occasions. The facility is of particular use in High Court cases as it can reduce the cost of the attendance of expert witnesses such as medical or engineering consultants. As regards criminal proceedings, I am further advised by the Courts Service that it, in conjunction with the Prison Service, is investigating the possibility of video conferencing as a method of giving evidence in criminal proceedings. I understand this study is at a preliminary stage.
The Courts Service, in February 2001, published its five year strategy for information technology entitled "eCourts". The key strategic business objectives detailed in the plan include the delivery of a range of e-Government initiatives which are consistent with the Courts Service's commitment to participate fully in the Government's initiative for the delivery of electronic services. The proposed electronic services will provide for electronic data interchange between the courts systems and the Garda Síochána, Prisons Service, Chief State Solicitor's office, Probation and Welfare Service, etc., initiatives such as e-filing – capability for legal practitioners to file documents electronically with the Courts Service – and e-payment – capability to complete financial transactions electronically with the Courts Service – and initiatives such as self service HRMS – Human Resource Management System – and Knowledge Web – providing the capability for all users to access common databases of knowledge.
A key component for the future development of e-commerce within the courts system is the installation and deployment of modern Information and Communication Technologies – ICT. The Courts Service by the end of 2002 will have deployed a modern local and wide area network infrastructure to a total of 58 Courts Service sites throughout the country. This modern communications infrastructure will provide the underlying technical platform in the courts area for the future delivery of e-commerce transactions.
Earlier this year, the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure submitted a report to my predecessor which recommended the establishment of e-Courts with particular reference to a commercial court with links to arbitration centres both domestic and international. This report will be published shortly. Already, I understand the President of the High Court is arranging for the establishment of a commercial list in the High Court in the next law term. In a separate development, a steering committee has been set up involving my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Courts Service to examine the feasibility of developing an on-line small claims procedure on a pilot basis to deal with disputed transactions, including e-commerce transactions, by consumers in relation to goods or services. I am advised that the relevant forms necessary for lodging a case with the Small Claims Court can currently be obtained electronically.
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