Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Law Reform Commission.
- Law Reform Commission staffing 12 speeches
The Minister said the Commission is authorised three research counsellors, but two posts are vacant and being filled urgently. He considered staffing adequate and ruled out additional funding; O’Keeffe challenged the current capacity and sought a recruitment timeline.
Jim O'Keeffe, Pearse Wyse
- Jury trials in negligence cases 4 speeches
Kelly asked whether the Government would seek the Law Reform Commission’s view on replacing juries with judges in High Court negligence trials. Wyse said it was a separate question and agreed to alert the Minister for Justice.
John M. Kelly, Pearse Wyse
asked the Minister for Finance (a) the present staffing arrangements of the Law Reform Commission, (b) if he is satisfied that these are adequate to permit a reasonable output from the commission, and (c) if he will consider making further finance available to permit an expansion of the role and work of the Law Reform Commission.
Comment on this
(a) The authorised staffing of the Law Reform Commission is three research counsellors—two of these posts are vacant but are in the process of being filled; one legal assistant to the President of the commission; one secretary; one clerical officer; three clerical assistants; (b) The authorised staffing is in accord with the request of the commission and is adequate to permit a reasonable output from the commission; (c) In view of the reply to section (b) the question of making further finance available does not arise.
Comment on this
Do I gather from the Minister's reply that there is only one research counsellor working with the Law Reform Commission?
Comment on this
Therefore, there is only one research counsellor with the Law Reform Commission. Does the Minister accept that this is a highly unsatisfactory situation? Does he accept that we cannot expect output of any consequence from the commission in this situation?
Comment on this
Can the Minister give any indication as to when they will be filled? Have the posts been advertised?
Comment on this
The only information I have is that the matter is having urgent attention. There will be no delay in replacing the two people.
Comment on this
I should like to ask the Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to request the Attorney General to ask the Law Re-form Commission for their opinion on the question of whether trials in the High Court on issues of negligence should be taken away from juries and given to judges alone?