Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State v. Singer Judgement.
asked the Taoiseach when the judgement in the case of the State v. Singer will be deposited in the Library.
Comment on this
I hope to arrange to have a copy of this judgement, as revised, placed in the Library this week.
Comment on this
Is the Tánaiste in a position to say what day this week? The Estimates are now under discussion and it is rather important that this should be made available forthwith.
Comment on this
We shall have to wait on the convenience of the judge who drafted the judgement. That is the matter that is holding us up. I am not suggesting by that there is any undue delay on his part.
Comment on this
This judgement runs to 25 pages. An unrevised draft has been received which is now being corrected by a member of the Supreme Court so that the House may be accurately informed as to the terms of the judgement.
Comment on this
Surely some steps could be taken to expedite checking and typing in view of the urgency of the matter.
Comment on this
The only person who can adequately revise the draft typescript is the judge who was responsible for writing the judgement.
Comment on this
Could the Tánaiste make no representations at all in regard to the urgency of having it completed so that it will be available to the Dáil in due time?
Comment on this
I do not think any representations are necessary. Anyone who is acquainted with the judge in question realises there would not be any undue delay on his part in dealing with a matter of this sort.
Comment on this
Has it been brought to his attention, in view of the desire of the House to dispose of the Estimates before a certain date in order to avoid the necessity of introducing a Vote on Account, that it is a matter of urgency that this document should be in the hands of the House at the earliest possible moment?
Comment on this
I cannot answer that question specifically "yes" or "no" but the members of the Supreme Court will, no doubt, be aware of the interest the Deputy has displayed and I am sure they will cooperate in ensuring that the judgement will be made available as soon as possible.
Comment on this
No, I have not suggested that. After all, the judges do not type their judgements. They have to attend, so to speak, on the physical disabilities under which people may labour in matters of this sort.
Comment on this
Would the Tánaiste say, if the judges are not entirely responsible for it, what are the circumstances in this case that have given rise to the difficulties which have created such a delay?
Comment on this
It will be appreciated that 25 pages of a statement require some careful thought and revision.