asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether the scheme for the establishment of Circuit Court clerks will be implemented pending the introduction of proposals for legislation in the matter; and, if so, on what date the scheme will come into operation.

This matter is under active consideration and I hope to be in a position to make a definite statement in regard to it in the very near future.

Is the Minister aware that this matter has been under active consideration for several years, even when his predecessor was in office? It is still under active consideration. Can the Minister define what "active consideration" in his Department is?

The Minister is aware that the question asked relates to Circuit Court clerks. There is also a question in regard to District Court clerks and the two questions are, unfortunately, linked together. For the Deputy's information, legislation may not be necessary to deal with Circuit Court clerks, but legislation may be necessary, and I think will be necessary, to deal with District Court clerks.