asked the Minister for Justice whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he proposes to increase the jurisdiction of the District Court and, if so, by how much; and, further, whether in this connection he is aware that it is now often necessary to bring a claim, even for wages, in the Circuit Court, thus involving great expense and inconvenience to litigants.

The question whether the civil jurisdiction of the District Court should be increased is a difficult one upon which there is a wide divergence of views. It is under examination but I am not at present in a position to say when a decision will be reached.

Has the Minister received representations from a number of rural Bar associations requesting an increase in the jurisdiction?

I did, and I received representations from others not to. There is a divergence of views.