The Gazette 1967/71

how many persons have been convicted for offences committed out on bail in each of the past three years ; and in how many of these cases bail had been opposed. Mr. Moran: Statistics are not available in the form sought by the Deputy. However an inquiry conducted by the Garda Authorities in June, 1968, showed that 183 persons who were granted bail by the courts committed 580 fresh offences against property during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1967. Of these persons, 37 committed crimes while on bail. These figures cover crimes where the Garda were satisfied as to the identity of the culprits but may not have been in a position to produce proofs leading to conviction in court. In the following year the corresponding figures were 214 persons who committed 921 crimes while on bail. Of these persons, 60 committed five or more crimes. The results of a similar inquiry for the year ended 30th September, 1969, are not yet avialable. I shall communicate the relevant figures to the Deputy in due course. As I have already pointed out in the House, there is conclusive evidence that a considerable number of offences are committed by persons while on bail. The situation has worsened since the Supreme Court judgment in the O'Callaghan case half-way through the 1967 crime year. In this judg ment, the court, in effect, held that bail might be refused only where the accused was likely to flee the jurisdiction or to interfere with prosecution witnesses, and should not be refused merely be cause the accused would be likely to commit further offences while on bail. 1 might add that following the O'Callaghan judgment any figures relating to cases in which the grant of bail was opposed would have little mean ing. The grant of bail may be opposed by the State only where there is evidence to bring the case within the O'Callaghan decision. Mr. Tully: Is the Minister thinking of changing the law ? Mr. Moran: Yes> and I have the authority of Mr. Tully asked the Minister for Labour when the proposed Bill to amend the Redundancy Pay ments Act, 1967. referred to in his statement on 1st October, 1969, will be published. Minister for Labour (Mr. J. Brennan): The 159 the Government to do so. Reddundancy Payments Act

accommodation for the Dublin Circuit Court but the Minister's department did not consider it necessary and, therefore, did not avail of the offer? Mr. Moran: That is not correct. Portion of a building was offered while another portion was retained. The portion that was offered was offered at at fantastic price which could not be enter tained by my Department. DAIL EIREANN Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice the number of criminal cases now awaiting hearing in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court ; and when the accused persons most recently returned for trial is likely to have his case heard ; the number of Cir cuit Court Judges assigned to deal with criminal cases in that Court area ; and what steps will be taken to expedite hearings. 37. Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice the number of civil cases in respect of which notices of trial have been issued in the Dublin Circuit Court; when it is estimated the Court will hear the case most recently listed for hearing; the number of Circuit Court Judges assigend to deal with civil cases in that Court; and what steps will be taken to expedite hearings. Mr. Moran: I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions No. 36 and No. 37 together. An accused person returned for trial in the Dublin Circuit Court will, if he is in custody, nor mally have his case heard in the term in which he is returned for trial. If the accused is on bail, there is at present a delay of about 14 months. Notices of trial have been issued in 327 civil cases, and the case most recently set down will be reached in three to four months. At present, the President of the Circuit Court has assigned two Judges to criminal trials, and two Judges to civil business and criminal appeals. For the other information sought by the Deputy, I must refer him to my reply to a similar question yesterday. 19th February, 1970 Offences on Bail Dr. FitzGerald asked the Minister for Justice 12th February, 1970 Dublin Court Lists