asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the increasing delays in court offices in furnishing copies of court orders and other documents; and if, having regard to the substantial increases in fees recently imposed, he will ensure that steps are taken to provide a speedier service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Court Documents.
30.
I presume that the question relates to the court offices in the Dublin area. I am not aware of excessive delays or of increasing delays in these offices in meeting requisitions for copy orders and other documents. However, if the Deputy will let me have particulars of any cases in which undue delays occurred, I will have them investigated.
Is the Minister aware that it can frequently take from eight to 12 weeks for the High Court accountancy office to pay out money which is lodged in court? The effect of this is to create certain doubts in the mind of litigants not only with regard to the efficiency of court offices but also with regard to the efficiency of members of the legal profession— indeed, to raise doubt not only as to their efficiency but also their integrity. Is the Minister also aware that in some offices a number of people are exclusively occupied in trying to trace lost files and documents? Would he see to it that there is a thorough overhaul of all these offices, which would be one of the most valuable ways of reforming the law in this country?
If the Deputy will give me particular examples, I will have them examined.
Is the Minister satisfied that these offices are properly staffed? Is he aware that in many cases in the country some of these have to work three and four hours overtime and, on occasions, are required to come back on Saturday to do this work due to the fact mainly—I am informed—that their work has increased because of recent legislation?
That is another day's work.
Is the Minister satisfied that these offices are adequately staffed.
I am quite satisfied.