681 / 736
that coupled with the impending new legislation
the use of parchment is virtually ended. At the
same time the problem of preserving our records
arises. Parchment forms have stood the test of
time from 1708 and are still in excellent condition.
1 doubt that paper forms will prove as durable.
Where advantage is taken of the Minister's author
ity, which at the same time gives the Registrar
discretionary powers in the matter, unnecessary
delays will be avoided if you inform your mem
bers that memorials and applications for negative
searches should be presented on the best quality
deed paper available
(e.g. goatskin parchment
paper) and that the contents should be typed. It
would help considerably too if creasing the forms
could be avoided and they should conform to
present dimensions and lay out.
Later we hope to be in a position to suggest a
form and size for memorials which will suit our
records system and we will probably be able to
include a specimen in the new bill."
BAIL QUESTIONS
Jury Service Liability
Mr. R. Barry asked the Minister for Justice if
he is prepared to put into effect the recommen
dations of the committee appointed by him in
1965 by introducing amending legislation which
will provide for (a) the abolition of the present
limitation of liability for jury service to a small
number of the adult population which for prac
tical purposes consists of farmers, shopkeepers
and other self-employed persons, and
(b) the
proper remuneration of persons called on to per
form jury service.
Mr. O'Malley:
I am having comprehensive
legislation prepared to deal with all aspects of
jury system. However, it will be some time before
I shall be in a position to introduce this legislation
due to the fact that priority must be given to other
more urgent legislative proposals.
Cavan Courthouse
Mr. T. J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan) asked the Minister
for Justice if he will explain why the courtroom
and bar-room of Cavan courthouse were excluded
from a scheme of decoration and improvement
carried out in the courthouse some years ago; and
if he will take steps to have the courtroom and
bar-room modernised in accordance with modern
thinking.
Mr. O'Malley: The provision and maintenance
of courthouse accommodation in Cavan is the re
sponsibility of the Cavan County Council. I can
not say why the courtroom and bar-room were
not included in decoration and improvement work
carried out some years ago. I may say that no
complaints have been received in my Department
in recent years in 'regard to the court accom
modation in Cavan.
I understand that the county council are exam
ining the question of modernising the courtroom.
Some improvements could also be made to the
bar-room and I will have this brought to the
attention of the county council.
Mr. T. J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan): Is the Minister
aware that since this question was tabled work
has commenced on the decoration of the
bar
room? I would like to take the opportunity of
thanking
the county manager and
those con
cerned for this.
Is the Minister aware that the seating accom
modation in the courtroom which is provided for
the public, the press, and the legal profession is
most uncomfortable? The acoustics are so bad
that the general public have no idea what the
judges are saying. Finally, would the Minister
see to it that the ancient dock is removed from
the building, in accordance with modern thinking?
Mr. O'Malley: As the Deputy knows, most of
the matters mentioned by him are really for the
local authority. I would suggest he might take the
matter up with them.
Mr. T. J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan): I put down this
question to the Minister for Local Government
and it was transferred to the Minister for Justice.
1st February, 1971.
Consumer Protection Legislation
Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Industry
and Commerce if he will consider introducing
legislation that will tighten up on manufacturers'
warranties and give consumers cheap and easy
access to the courts to sue for refunds or damages.
221