Legal Costs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2019

Wednesday, 10 July 2019

Ceisteanna (227)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

227. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if steps have been initiated to review or reuse the costs provisions applicable to the District Court as per SI No. 17 of 2014 and in particular the obligation to review the same levy every three years as set out in the regulation; if in this context provision will be made prospectively for the payment of drafting fees, opinions, notices of applications and affidavits which pertain to dealing with civil matters before the District Court and which are necessary in the context of such proceedings and which are not included in counsels' fees as set out in 13(i) of SI No. 7 of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30467/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy may be aware, the matter of the revision of the Schedule of Costs to the District Court Rules in accordance with Order 53, Rule 2(4) is a matter for the District Court Rules Committee. As Minister I must consider any proposed revision and concur with changes.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and I understand that the District Court Rules Committee is currently undertaking a review and is awaiting observations from the Law Society as well as seeking observations from the Bar Council in relation to the Schedule.