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The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland
[JUNE, 1938
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
needed.
The Law Library
in
the Four
Courts, ample as it is,
is quite unable to
provide
for
the
service of
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