Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 March 2022
114. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if she will transition justice system terminology to a more modern English equivalent which would replace Latin terminology and phrases such as ad litem, thus aiding greater comprehension by the general public. [16919/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Review of the Administration of Civil Justice, published in 2020, made a number of recommendations regarding reform of our civil justice system. These include recommendations relating to simplification of procedures and language.
In relation to civil procedure and forms, the Review Group’s recommendations include the introduction of a new standard form of claim notice to replace other originating documents and harmonising across jurisdictions the forms of originating documents, terminology and information requirements associated with the way in which proceedings are commenced.
The Review Group also made a recommendation regarding the establishment of a group comprising justice-sector agencies, the legal profession and voluntary and publicly-funded advice bodies to provide input to the court rules committees on opportunities for simplification of procedures and language in rules and forms. The Courts Service agreed to take this recommendation forward through its Access to Justice Civil Reform User Group.
Through this Group, which officials in my Department participate on, and the extensive stakeholder engagement undertaken by the Courts Service as part of its modernisation efforts, the Courts Service is best placed to identify opportunities to engage with rules committees regarding opportunities for simplification of procedure and language.
This is underpinned by the Courts Service’s Long-Term Strategic Vision for 2030, and its Modernisation Programme which adopts a User-Centric Approach, seeking to ensure a better understanding of the needs of those who interact with the courts system and the Courts Service. The Courts Service’s commitments in this area include working to simplify court practices and procedures and designing its services based on the needs of those who use them.
It should also be borne in mind that much of the terminology used in the Courts derives from legislation developed over time and deriving from EU requirements and from Bills sponsored by various Ministers and Private Members, and so, efforts to replace outmoded Latin terminology with modern Irish or English terminology will require engagement by all relevant stakeholders.
