The Gazette 1936-40

[JUNE, 1938

The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland

the Four

in

The Law Library

needed.

The members of this greater committee were unanimously of opinion that the books were necessary, that they should be produced by a combination of lawyers of the highest qualifications. There remained the difficulty of how the money was to be procured. The Law Society is not in a position to provide the money, neither is the Bar. A distinguished member of the committee (now a distinguished Judge) suggested that as the Courts were a creation of the Act of 1924, as the books mentioned and many others were essential to their efficient functioning, and as the high cost of pro duction of the books made them an un economic proposition owing to the limited market, it was the duty of the State to see that they should be provided. The com mittee so reported to the Council which asked the Minister for Justice to give an audience to its representatives. A deputation consisting of two members of the Bar and two members of the Solicitors' profession waited upon the Minister for Justice. The arguments already mentioned were repeated and stressed and it was sub mitted that the [State should give such financial assistance fas would ^place at the disposal of the public and legal profession the necessary books to make the Courts thoroughly efficient. The Minister for Justice agreed that the books were necessary and that the State should help and he suggested that the State give certain financial assistance. Unfortunately, the Minister's suggestion was not given effect to, and in consequence we have not got the books. That is the present position. You are all aware of the tremendous change brought about by the Act of 1924. The District Court by reason of its jurisdic tion in civil matters has to a large extent taken the place of the old County Court, whilst its jurisdiction in Criminal matters is much wider than that of the old Petty Sessions. Experience has shown that seventy-five per cent, of the normal civil business of the State is dealt with in the Circuit Court. The business of that Court is carried on largely, if not altogether, by members of the Bar, and difficult questions come up for decision every other day. Books of reference and Reports are badly

is quite unable to

Courts, ample as it is,

provide the Circuit Court, and the Law Library belonging to- the Solicitors' profession is much smaller. It is abundantly clear that Libraries, available for the Circuit Court in each of the 26 counties are just as essential as the Libraries for the High Court. Only the- State can provide these Libraries. I should also like to refer to the Dail Statutes. We have had a considerable bod}' of Statute Law, much of which has. been repealed, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to put one's finger upon what is. now Law and what has been repealed. I suggest that the State ought, at least every three years, bring out a volume indicating the changes in the law. That would greatly help the legal profession and officials of the various public bodies, and it would also be of service to the public. Your Council will do everything in its power to secure that the necessary books, will be produced and that Libraries will be provided. But to attain this end they must secure the whole-hearted support of the profession and the Bar, and I confidently appeal to you for that support. MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. 19th May. Twenty-five members present. Prices Commission. In reply to a letter from the General Council of the Bar the Council agreed to- the seeking of an interview by a joint deputa tion of representatives of the Bar Council and of this Council with the chairman of the Prices Commission in reference to the procedure in the work of the Commission. Sheriff's Office. A report was submitted from the Court and Offices Committee in reference to the execu tion by Sheriffs of decrees for possession of dwelling houses and the matter was. adjourned for further consideration. OBITUARY. MR- ENDA B. HEALY, Solicitor, died on the 20th May, 1938. Mr. Healy served his apprenticeship with for the service of