asked the Minister for Justice if Bernard Doherty, a prisoner in Sligo Jail, charged with the attempted murder of his wife, who was returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court, Dublin, from a Special Court held in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, on 20th June last, by District Justice Walsh, could be tried at the County Donegal Circuit Court at either Lifford or Letterkenny at less expense to the taxpayers and a more suitable and convenient venue for the witnesses.

The charge of attempted murder is not triable by the Circuit Court, being expressly excluded from the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court by Section 49 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924. It is therefore not possible to carry out the Deputy's suggestion.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, which is the more serious offence—attempted murder in Tirconaill or manslaughter in Cork?

The Deputy can put that question to the Minister when he is here.