Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
267. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration following approval of the Rules of Court for the District and Circuit Court by the relevant Committees, if he has approved the updated rules (details supplied); if not, the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70719/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rules of Court set out how court cases must be processed in a way that is consistent, efficient and fair to ensure justice is done properly and without undue delays. The rule making authority for the District Court is the District Court Rules Committee established under section 71 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1936. The rule-making authority for the Circuit Court is the Circuit Court Rules Committee, established under section 69 of the Courts of Justice Act 1936.
All the Rules Committees are independent in their functions. The Committees may annul or alter rules and make new rules with the concurrence of the Minister. The Court Service provides secretarial, clerical and administrative support to the Rules Committees. However, it is the Court Rules Committees and not the Courts Service that has responsibility for the initiation or alteration of Rules of Court, as these Rules relate to matters within the responsibility of the courts and the judiciary, who are subject only to the Constitution and the law, and are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.
I am informed by my officials that my Department and the Department of Health have been engaging with the Court Service regarding any required amendments to Rules of Court in advance of the commencement of s 232 of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024. Such amendments are matters for the Court Rules Committees, which then submit draft rules to me as Minister for my concurrence.
On December 8th and 9th last, I received draft Circuit Court Rules (Donor Assisted Human Reproduction) 2025 and the equivalent District Court Rules. These are currently being considered, with a view to being in a position to concur shortly.
