Vol. 569 No. 3
393 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of bench warrants issued for failure of defendants to attend court; the number of these that remain unenforced; his views on whether non-attendance of defendants in court is an increasing problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17794/03]
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. I am having the information compiled and will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it comes to hand.
394 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give consideration to increasing the maximum possible fine that can be imposed by the District Court, currently ?1,900, in order to alleviate delays in the criminal justice system arising from cases being referred from the District to the Circuit Court due to the serious nature of the offences involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17795/03]
In drafting legislation, Departments accept the advice provided by the Office of the Attorney General as to the maximum monetary penalty that can be imposed by the District Court. In this regard, in April 2001, the Office of the Attorney General advised that, having regard to inflation and other factors since advice was previously given in the matter in 1994, €3,000 is the appropriate figure to be used in draft legislation as the maximum penalty that may be imposed by the District Court.
395 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the practice of defendants facing trial outside Dublin requesting that their trials be moved to the capital is causing significant additional delays and costs in the operation of the criminal justice system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17796/03]
I am advised by the Courts Service that the number of criminal cases transferred from provincial venues to the Dublin Circuit Court is very small and that no delays have arisen from the transfer of such cases.
