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Number 11 of 1981
COURTS ACT, 1981
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Enactments Repealed
Acts Referred to | |
1936, No. 40 | |
1965, No. 6 | |
Attorneys' and Solicitors' Act, 1870 | 1870, c. 28 |
1937, No. 3 | |
1961, No. 41 | |
1963, No. 10 | |
1964, No. 11 | |
1971, No. 36 | |
1977, No. 11 | |
1924, No. 10 | |
1936, No. 48 | |
1947, No. 20 | |
1961, No. 39 | |
Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Acts, 1961 to 1979 | |
Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840 | 1840, c. 105 |
1926, No. 18 | |
1976, No. 27 | |
1976, No. 11 | |
1964, No. 7 | |
1960, No. 15 | |
1963, No. 7 | |
1930, No. 17 | |
Irish Bankrupt and Insolvent Act, 1857 | 1857, c. 60 |
Judgment-Mortgage (Ireland) Act, 1850 | 1850, c. 29 |
1957, No. 5 | |
Matrimonial Causes and Marriage Law (Ireland) Amendment Act, 1870 | 1870, c. 110 |
1960, No. 42 | |
1965, No. 27 | |
Number 11 of 1981
COURTS ACT, 1981
Interpretation.
1.—(1) In this Act—
“the Act of 1924” means the Courts of Justice Act, 1924;
“the Act of 1936” means the Courts of Justice Act, 1936;
“the Act of 1961” means the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act, 1961;
“the Act of 1971” means the Courts Act, 1971.
(2) A reference in this Act to any other enactment shall, except so far as the context otherwise requires, be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended or applied by or under any other enactment including this Act.
Extension of jurisdiction of Circuit Court.
2.—(1) The Third Schedule to the Act of 1961 is hereby amended—
(a) by the deletion of paragraph (a) in column (3) at reference numbers 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28,
(b) by the substitution of “£15,000” for “£2,000” (inserted by the Act of 1971) in each place in the said column (3) where it occurs,
(c) by the substitution of “£7,500” for “£1,000” (inserted by the Act of 1971) in the said column (3) at reference number 14, and
(d) by the substitution of “£200” for “£100” (inserted by the Act of 1971) in each place in the said column (3) where it occurs.
(2) The Fifth Schedule to the Act of 1961 is hereby amended by the substitution of “£15,000” for “two thousand pounds” (inserted by the Act of 1971) in column (3) opposite the mention in column (2) of the Attorneys' and Solicitors' Act, 1870.
(3) The Act of 1936 is hereby amended—
(a) by the substitution of “£15,000” for “two thousand pounds” (inserted by the Act of 1971) in section 20, and
(b) by the substitution of “£15,000” for “two thousand pounds” (inserted by the Act of 1971) in section 23.
Extension of jurisdiction of Circuit Court under Married Women's Status Act, 1957.
3.—Section 12 of the Married Women's Status Act, 1957, is hereby amended by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (3):
“(3) Where the rateable valuation of the land exceeds £200 and the application is made to the Circuit Court, that Court shall, if a defendant or respondent so requires before the hearing thereof, transfer the proceedings to the High Court, but any order made or act done in the course of such proceedings before such transfer shall be valid unless discharged or varied by order of the High Court.”.
Extension of jurisdiction of Circuit Court under Succession Act, 1965.
4.—Section 6 of the Succession Act, 1965, is hereby amended by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (3):
“(3) Unless the necessary parties to the proceedings in a cause sign, either before or at any time during the hearing, the form of consent prescribed by rules of court, the Circuit Court shall not, by virtue of subsection (2), have jurisdiction where the estate of the deceased person, in so far as it consists of real estate of which, at the time of his death, he was beneficially seised or possessed, exceeds the rateable valuation of £200.”.
Jurisdiction of Circuit Court in relation to divorce a mensa et thoro.
5.—There shall be vested in the Circuit Court the jurisdiction specified in section 7 of the Matrimonial Causes and Marriage Law (Ireland) Amendment Act, 1870, in respect of divorce a mensa et thoro.
Extension of jurisdiction of District Court.
6.—Section 77 of the Act of 1924 is hereby amended—
(a) by the substitution of the following clauses for clauses (i) to (iii) (inserted by the Act of 1971) of paragraph A:
“(i) in contract, breach of contract, tort (except slander, libel, criminal conversation, seduction, slander of title, malicious prosecution and false imprisonment) and claims for damages unconnected with contract, where the claim does not exceed £2,500:
Provided that the decision of a justice of the District Court in a case in which a question of title to land is in issue shall not operate as an estoppel in or bar to a suit in any court in relation to such land;
(ii) in ejectment for non-payment of rent or overholding in any class of tenancy where the rent does not exceed such sum as amounts or might amount to £2,500 per annum;
(iii) in proceedings at the suit of the State or any State authority (within the meaning of the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act, 1961) or any officer thereof to recover any sum not exceeding £2,500 due to or recoverable by or on behalf of the State whether by way of penalty, debt or otherwise, and notwithstanding any enactment now in force requiring such sum to be sued for in the High Court or other superior court;”, and
(b) by the substitution of “£2,500” for “£250” in clause (v) (inserted by /the Act of 1936).
Extension of jurisdiction of District Court in interpleader by under-sheriffs.
7.—Section 22 (1) of the Enforcement of Court Orders Act, 1926, is hereby amended by the substitution of “£2,500” for “two hundred and fifty pounds” (inserted by the Act of 1971).
Extension of jurisdiction of District Court under Hire-Purchase Acts, 1946 and 1960.
8.—(1) Section 19 of the Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Act, 1960, is hereby amended by the substitution of “£2,500” for “two hundred and fifty pounds” (inserted by the Act of 1971) in subsections (1) and (2).
(2) Section 33 (4) (a) of the Act of 1961 is hereby amended by the substitution of “£2,500” for “two hundred and fifty pounds” (inserted by the Act of 1971).
Extension of jurisdiction of District Court under Rent Restrictions Act, 1960.
9.—Section 50 (b) of the Rent Restrictions Act, 1960, is hereby amended by the substitution of “£2,500” for “£315” (inserted by the Act of 1971) in subparagraph (ii).
Extension of jurisdiction of District Court in cases of detinue.
10.—Section 33 (3) of the Act of 1961 is hereby amended by the substitution of “£2,500” for “two hundred and fifty pounds” (inserted by the Act of 1971).
Extension of jurisdiction of Circuit Court and District Court under Hotel Proprietors Act, 1963.
11.—Section 10 of the Hotel Proprietors Act, 1963, is hereby amended—
(a) by the substitution of “£15,000” for “£2,000” (inserted by the Act of 1971) in subsection (1), and
(b) by the substitution of “£2,500” for “£250” (inserted by the Act of 1971) in subsection (2).
Jurisdiction under Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976.
12.—The Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, is hereby amended by the substitution of the following section for section 23:
“23. (1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the Circuit Court and the District Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine proceedings under sections 5, 6, 7 and 9 of this Act.
(2) (a) The District Court and the Circuit Court, on appeal from the District Court, shall not have jurisdiction to make an order under this Act for the payment of a periodical sum at a rate greater than £100 per week for the support of a spouse or £30 per week for the support of a child.
(b) Subject to paragraph (d) of this subsection, nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall be construed as conferring on the District Court or the Circuit Court jurisdiction to make an order or direction under section 5, 6, 7 or 9 of this Act in any matter in relation to which the High Court has made an order or direction under any of those sections.
(c) Subject to paragraph (d) of this subsection, nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall be construed as conferring on the District Court jurisdiction to make an order or direction under section 5, 6, 7, or 9 of this Act in any matter in relation to which the Circuit Court (except on appeal from the District Court) has made an order or direction under any of those sections.
(d) The District Court and the Circuit Court may vary or revoke an order or direction made by the High Court under section 5, 6, 7 or 9 of this Act before the commencement of section 12 of the Courts Act, 1981, if—
(i) the circumstances to which the order or direction of the High Court related have changed other than by reason of such commencement, and
(ii) in the case of a variation or revocation of such an order or direction by the District Court, the provisions of the order or direction would have been within the jurisdiction of that Court if the said section 12 had been in operation at the time of the making of the order or direction.”.
Jurisdiction under Family Home Protection Act, 1976.
13.—Section 10 of the Family Home Protection Act, 1976, is hereby amended—
(a) by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (4):
“(4) Where the rateable value of the land to which the procedings relate exceeds £200 and the proceedings are brought in the Circuit Court, that Court shall, if a defendant so requires before the hearing thereof, transfer the proceedings to the High Court, but any order made or act done in the course of such proceedings before such transfer shall be valid unless discharged or varied by order of the High Court.”,
and
(b) by the substitution of “£2,500” for “£1,000” in subsection (5).
Jurisdiction under Illegitimate Children (Affiliation Orders) Act, 1930.
14.—Section 19 of the Act of 1971 is hereby amended by—
(a) the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (2):
“(2) (a) Subject to subsection (3) of this section, the Circuit Court shall, concurrently with the District Court, have jurisdiction to hear and determine proceedings under the said Illegitimate Children (Affiliation Orders) Act, 1930, and the said Act shall apply with any necessary modifications and adaptations, in relation to any such proceedings in the Circuit Court, or on appeal therefrom in the High Court.
(b) Rules of Court shall provide for the conduct of proceedings in the Circuit Court under the said Act in a summary manner.”, and
(b) the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (3):
“(3) (a) The District Court and the Circuit Court, on appeal from the District Court, shall not have jurisdiction to make an order under the said Act for the payment of a periodical sum exceeding £30 per week for the maintenance and education of a child.
(b) Subject to paragraph (c) of this subsection,
nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring—
(i) on the District Court jurisdiction to make an order under the said Act in any matter in relation to which the High Court or Circuit Court has made an order there-under, or
(ii) on the Circuit Court jurisdiction to make an order under the said Act in any matter in relation to which the High Court has made an order thereunder.
(c) The District Court and the Circuit Court may vary or revoke an order made by the High Court under the said Act before the commencement of section 14 of the Courts Act, 1981, if—
(i) the circumstances to which the order of the High Court related have changed other than by reason of such commencement, and
(ii) in the case of a variation or revocation of such an order by the District Court, the provisions of the order would have been within the jurisdiction of that Court if the said section 14 had been in operation at the time of the making of the order.”.
Jurisdiction under Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964.
15.—(1) The Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, is hereby amended—
(a) by the substitution of the following section for section 5:
“5.—(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the jurisdiction conferred on a court by this Part may be exercised by the Circuit Court or the District Court.
(2) The District Court and the Circuit Court, on appeal from the District Court, shall not have jurisdiction to make an order under this Act for the payment of a periodical sum at a rate greater than £30 per week towards the maintenance of an infant.
(3) The jurisdiction conferred by this Part is in addition to any other jurisdiction to appoint or remove guardians or as to the wardship of infants or the care of infants' estates.”,
(b) by the substitution in section 13 of the following definition for the definition of “the court”:
“‘the court’ means the Circuit Court or the District Court;”, and
(c) by the substitution in section 18 (1) of “Circuit Court” for “court”.
(2) (a) Subject to paragraph (c) of this subsection, nothing in the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, as amended by subsection (1) of this section, shall be construed as conferring on the District Court jurisdiction to make an order under Part II or III of that Act in relation to which the High Court or the Circuit Court (except on appeal from the District Court) has made an order under the said Part II or the said Part III.
(b) Subject to paragraph (c) of this subsection, nothing in the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, as amended by subsection (1) of this section, shall be construed as conferring on the Circuit Court jurisdiction to make an order under Part II or III of that Act in relation to which the High Court has made an order under the said Part II or the said Part III.
(c) The District Court and the Circuit Court may vary or revoke an order made by the High Court under the said Part II or the said Part III before the commencement of this section if—
(i) the circumstances to which the order of the High Court related have changed other than by reason of such commencement, and
(ii) in the case of a variation or revocation of such an order by the District Court, the provisions of the order would have been within the jurisdiction of that Court if this section had been in operation at the time of the making of the order.
Venue in relation to certain jurisdictions of Circuit Court and District Court.
16.—(1) The jurisdiction under the Illegitimate Children (Affiliation Orders) Act, 1930, the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, and section 5 of this Act conferred on the Circuit Court shall be exercised by the judge of the circuit where any party to the proceedings ordinarily resides or carries on any profession, business or occupation.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 79 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924, and, as respects proceedings under the Illegitimate Children (Affiliation Orders) Act, 1930, section 2 of the latter Act, proceedings under the latter Act, the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964, and the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, may be brought, heard and determined before and by a justice of the District Court for the time being assigned to the District Court district where any party to the proceedings ordinarily resides or carries on any profession, business or occupation.
Limitation on amount of plaintiff's costs in certain proceedings.
17.—(1) In any action of tort or of breach of promise of marriage commenced and heard in the High Court, being an action where the amount of the damages recovered by the plaintiff exceeds £2,500 but does not exceed £7,500, the plaintiff shall not be entitled to recover more costs than whichever of the following amounts is the lesser, that is to say, the amount of such damages or the amount of costs which he would have been entitled to recover if the action had been commenced in the Circuit Court, unless the judge hearing the action grants a special certificate under this section.
(2) In any action for the recovery of a liquidated sum, being an action where the amount recovered by the plaintiff exceeds £2,500 but does not exceed £7,500, the plaintiff shall not be entitled to recover more costs than he would have been entitled to recover if the action had been commenced in the Circuit Court.
(3) In any action for the recovery of a liquidated sum, being an action where the amount recovered by the plaintiff does not exceed £2,500, the plaintiff shall not be entitled to recover more costs than he would have been entitled to recover if the action had been commenced in the District Court.
(4) Where an order is made by a court in favour of the plaintiff or applicant in any proceedings (other than an action specified in subsections (1) to (3) of this section) and the court in which the proceedings were commenced is not the lowest court having jurisdiction to make an order granting the relief (which expression includes in this section damages) the subject of the order, the plaintiff shall not be entitled to recover more costs than he would have been entitled to recover if the proceedings had been commenced in the said lowest court unless the order is made by a judge and the judge grants a special certificate under this section.
(5) Where a judge hears any action referred to in subsection (1) of this section or makes an order of the kind referred to in subsection (4) of this section, he may, on the application of the plaintiff or applicant in the proceedings made immediately upon the determination of the hearing relating to the action or order, grant a special certificate in writing that, in the opinion of such judge, it was reasonable in the interests of justice generally, owing to the exceptional; nature of the proceedings or of any question of law contained therein, that the proceedings should have been commenced in the court in which they were commenced.
(6) It shall not be lawful for rules of court to contain or impose any restriction on the amount of the costs recoverable by any party from any other party in any action or other proceeding, but nothing in this subsection shall prevent the insertion in rules of court of a restriction on the amount of the costs recoverable which is identical with a restriction imposed by this section nor the fixing by rules of court of the amount recoverable by any person as and for the costs and expenses incurred by him in the doing of any specified thing in any particular form of action or other proceeding.
Temporary discharge of duties of certain judges.
18.—(1) (a) If, during any period, the Chief Justice is unable owing to illness or for any other reason to transact the business of his office or the office of Chief Justice is vacant, all jurisdictions, powers, authorities and functions for the time being vested in him by virtue of his office, other than the power of determination specified in section 7 (4) of the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act, 1961, shall be exercised or performed by the President of the High Court or, if the President of the High Court is unable owing to illness or for any other reason to exercise or perform the said jurisdictions, powers, authorities and functions, or if there is a vacancy in the office of President of the High Court, by the senior ordinary judge of the Supreme Court who is for the time being available.
(b) The power of determination conferred by section 7 (4) of the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act, 1961, on the Chief Justice and exercisable in his absence, by virtue of that provision, by the senior ordinary judge of the Supreme Court for the time being available shall also be exercisable by the latter judge if the office of Chief Justice is vacant.
(2) If, during any period, the President of the High Court is unable owing to illness or for any other reason to transact the business of his office or the office of President of the High Court is vacant, all jurisdictions, powers, authorities and functions for the time being vested in him by virtue of his office, other than those conferred on him by subsection (1) of this section, shall be exercised or performed by the senior ordinary judge of the High Court who is for the time being available.
(3) If, during any period, the President of the Circuit Court is unable to act or the office of President of the Circuit Court is vacant, then, during that period, all powers, authorities and functions for the time being vested in him by virtue of his office shall be exercised or performed by the senior judge for the time being available of the judges of the Circuit Court permanently assigned to the Dublin Circuit.
(4) If, during any period, the President of the District Court is unable to act or the office of President of the District Court is vacant, then, during that period, all powers, authorities and functions for the time being vested in him by virtue of his office shall be exercised or performed by the senior justice of the District Court for the time being available of the justices of the District Court permanently assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan District.
Increase of interest on judgment debts.
19.—(1) Section 26 of the Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, is hereby amended by the substitution of “11” for “four pounds”.
(2) Section 47 (1) of the Act of 1961 is hereby amended by the insertion of “or decree of the District Court” after “the Circuit Court”.
Variation by order of rate of interest specified in section 26 of Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840.
20.—(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the Minister for Justice may, if he is satisfied that the rate of interest per annum for the time being standing specified in section 26 of the Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, ought, having regard to the level of rates of interest generally in the State, to be varied, make an order varying the rate of interest so standing specified and the said section 26 shall have effect in accordance with the terms of any such order.
(2) An order under this section shall not come into operation within 2 years of the commencement either of section 19 (1) of this Act or of a previous order made and not annulled under this section.
(3) Every order under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the order is passed by either such House within the next twenty-one days on which that House has sat after the order is laid before it, the order shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Extension of section 27 of Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840.
21.—Section 27 of the Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, shall apply to—
(a) decrees and orders of the Circuit Court providing for the payment of costs, charges and expenses, and
(b) the persons to whom such payments are required to be made,
as it applies—
(c) to decrees and orders of the Court of Chancery referred to in that section providing for such payments, and
(d) to the persons to whom such latter payments are required to be made.
Power of courts to order payment of interest on awards.
22.—(1) Where in any proceedings a court orders the payment by any person of a sum of money (which expression includes in this section damages), the judge concerned may, if he thinks fit, also order the payment by the person of interest at the rate per annum standing specified for the time being in section 26 of the Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, on the whole or any part of the sum in respect of the whole or any part of the period between the date when the cause of action accrued and the date of the judgment.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section—
(a) shall authorise the giving of interest on interest, or
(b) shall apply in relation to any debt upon which interest is payable as of right whether by virtue of any agreement or otherwise, or
(c) shall affect any damages recoverable for the dishonour of a bill of exchange, or
(d) shall authorise the giving of interest in respect of a period before the passing of this Act, or
(e) shall authorise the giving of interest on damages for personal injuries, or in respect of a person's death, in so far as the damages are in respect of—
(i) any loss occurring after the date of the judgment for the damages, or
(ii) any loss (not being pecuniary loss) occurring between the date when the cause of action to which the damages relate accrued and the date of the said judgment.
(3) In this section—
“damages for personal injuries” includes damages for personal injuries arising out of a contract;
“pecuniary loss” means loss in money or money's worth, whether by parting with what one has or by not getting what one might get;
“personal injuries” includes any disease and any impairment of a person's physical or mental condition;
“proceedings” includes proceedings to which the State or a State authority (within the meaning of the Act of 1961) is a party.
Judgments not exceeding £150 not to carry interest.
23.—(1) Notwithstanding sections 26 and 27 of the Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, judgments, decrees or orders of any court for the payment of—
(a) an amount not exceeding £150, or
(b) the costs of such a judgment, decree or order,
or both shall not carry interest.
(2) The Minister for Justice may make an order varying the amount for the time being standing specified in subsection (1) (a) of this section and the said subsection (1) (a) shall have effect in accordance with the terms of any such order.
(3) Every order under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the order is passed by either such House within the next twenty-one days on which that House has sat after the order is laid before it, the order shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Registration of District Court decrees as judgment mortgages.
24.—Every decree of the District Court (whether obtained before or after the commencement of this section) shall be deemed to be a judgment entered up in a superior court at Dublin within the meaning and for the purposes of section 6 of the Judgment-Mortgage (Ireland) Act, 1850, and that Act shall apply and have effect in relation to every decree of the District Court accordingly, but with the modification that any such affidavit as is mentioned in the said section 6 made in relation to any such decree shall be filed in the district court office in which such decree is entered in lieu of the superior or other court mentioned in the said section; and any costs entitled to be stated in the said affidavit of filing and registering the said affidavit pursuant to the said section 6 shall not exceed in amount the amount of the decree.
Registration of decrees of District Court in Central Office of High Court.
25.—(1) Any decree of the District Court made after the commencement of this section may be registered in the Central Office of the High Court in like manner as a similar judgment of the High Court may be registered in that Office.
(2) The practice and procedure in use in the said Central Office in relation to the registration of judgments of the High Court shall apply to and be followed in relation to the registration under this section of decrees of the District Court.
(3) Where a decree of the District Court for or including costs is registered in the said Central Office under this section, the costs incurred in so registering such decree shall be added to and included in the costs payable under such decree, and accordingly such registration shall extend to the costs so added.
Application of section 336 of the Irish Bankrupt and Insolvent Act, 1857, to District Court decrees.
26.—Every decree of the District Court obtained after the commencement of this section shall be deemed to be a judgment of a superior court within the meaning and for the purpose of section 336 of the Irish Bankrupt and Insolvent Act, 1857, and that section shall apply and have effect in relation to every such decree of the District Court accordingly, but with the modification that, in such application of the said section, registration in the Central Office of the High Court under this Act shall be substituted for registration in the office of the registrar of judgments.
Amendment of Circuit Court (Registration of Judgments) Act, 1937.
27.—The Circuit Court (Registration of Judgments) Act, 1937, is hereby amended by the deletion in section 2 (3) of “, unless such costs have been computed on the District Court scale,”.
Compensation for mental distress in fatal accidents.
28.—(1) Paragraph (b) of section 49 (1) of the Civil Liability Act 1961, is hereby amended by the substitution of “£7,500” for “one thousand pounds”.
(2) Subsection (2) of section 18 (inserted by the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1965) of the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1936, is hereby amended by the substitution of “£7,500” for “one thousand pounds”.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall not have effect in relation to a cause of action that accrued before the 15th day of October, 1980.
Amendment of section 35 of Act of 1936.
29. Section 35 of the Act of 1936 is hereby amended by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (2):
“(2) The Chief Justice shall, if and when he thinks proper, travel and sit as a judge of the High Court on Circuit, and every other judge of the Supreme Court shall travel and sit as a judge of the High Court on Circuit when requested by the Chief Justice so to do, and every such other judge when so travelling and sitting shall be an additional judge of the High Court.”.
Amendment of Courts Act, 1977.
30.—The Courts Act, 1977, is hereby amended—
(a) in section 1, by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (2):
“(2) The number of ordinary judges of the Circuit Court shall not be more than twelve.”, and
(b) in section 2—
(i) by the substitution of the following paragraph for paragraph (a) of subsection (1):
“(a) There shall be five judges of the Circuit Court permanently assigned to the Dublin Circuit.”, and
(ii) by the substitution of the following paragraph for paragraph (a) of subsection (2):
“(a) to the Dublin Circuit if at the date of the appointment there are less than five judges permanently assigned to that circuit, or”.
Transfer of trials in criminal cases by judges of Circuit Court.
31.—(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section where a person charged with an indictable offence (in this section referred to as “an accused”) is sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court sitting other than within the Dublin Circuit, an application by the prosecutor or the accused to the judge of the Circuit Court before whom the accused is triable to have the trial transferred to the Circuit Court sitting within the Dublin Circuit shall—
(a) in case the party making the application, not less than seven days before making it, notified the accused or the prosecutor, as the case may be, of the application, be granted, and
(b) in any other case, in the discretion of the judge, be either granted or refused, and the decision to grant or refuse the application shall be final and unappealable.
(2) Where—
(a) two or more accused are sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court sitting other than within the Dublin Circuit and it is proposed to try them together, and
(b) an application by one or more, but not all, of the accused under subsection (1) of this section is granted,
an application, without notice to the accused, by the prosecutor to the judge who granted the application to have the trial of one or more of the remaining accused transferred to the Circuit Court sitting within the Dublin Circuit shall be granted.
(3) Where there are less than seven days between the date on which the accused is sent forward for trial and the date of commencement of the trial, an application under subsection (1) of this section shall be granted.
Repeals.
32.—(1) The enactments mentioned in column (2) of Part I of the Schedule to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent mentioned in column (3) of that Schedule.
(2) The enactments mentioned in column (2) of Part II of the said Schedule are, as on and from the commencement of section 17 of this Act, hereby repealed to the extent mentioned in column (3) of that Schedule.
Short title, citation and commencement.
33.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Courts Act, 1981.
(2) The Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Acts, 1961 to 1979, and this Act may be cited together as the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Acts, 1961 to 1981.
(3) Sections 2 to 17, 19 (2), 20, 21, 23 and 25 to 27 of this Act shall come into operation on the day that is twelve months after the date of the passing of this Act, but shall not apply in relation to proceedings in any court instituted before that day.
(4) Section 24 of this Act shall come into operation on the day that is twelve months after the date of the passing of this Act.
SCHEDULE
Enactments Repealed
PART I
Number and Year | Short Title | Extent of Repeal |
(1) | (2) | (3) |
No. 20 of 1947 | Section 10 (7) | |
No. 39 of 1961 | In section 10, subsection (2) and, in subsection (3), the words “, or where he is not available, the senior ordinary judge of the High Court who is for the time being available”; Section 35 (3) | |
No. 11 of 1964 |
PART II
No. 48 of 1936 | ||
No. 39 of 1961 | Reference number 45 in the Fourth Schedule | |
No. 10 of 1963 |
Uimhir 11 de 1981
ACHT NA gCÚIRTEANNA, 1981
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
Léiriú.
1.—(1) San Acht seo—
ciallaíonn “Acht 1924” an tAcht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais, 1924;
ciallaíonn “Acht 1936” an tAcht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais, 1936;
ciallaíonn “Acht 1961” Acht na gCúirteanna (Forálacha Forlíontacha), 1961;
ciallaíonn “Acht 1971” Acht na gCúirteanna, 1971.
(2) Déanfar tagairt san Acht seo d'aon achtachán eile a fhorléiriú, ach amháin a mhéid a éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt, mar thagairt don achtachán sin arna leasú nó arna chur chun feidhme le haon achtachán eile nó faoi aon achtachán eile lena n-áirítear an tAcht seo.
Leathnú ar dhlínse na Cúirte Cuarda.
2.—(1) Leasaítear leis seo an Tríú Sceideal a ghabhann le hAcht 1961—
(a) trí mhír (a) i gcolún (3) ag uimhreacha tagartha 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 agus 28 a scriosadh,
(b) trí “£15,000” a chur in ionad “£2,000” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) gach áit a bhfuil sé sa cholún sin (3),
(c) trí “£7,500” a chur in ionad “£1,000” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) sa cholún sin (3) ag uimhir thagartha 14, agus
(d) trí “£200” a chur in ionad “£100” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) gach áit a bhfuil sé sa cholún sin (3).
(2) Leasaítear leis seo an Cúigiú Sceideal a ghabhann le hAcht 1961 trí “do £15,000” a chur in ionad “do dhá mhíle punt” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) i gcolún (3) os coinne lua an Attorneys' and Solicitors' Act, 1870, i gcolún (2).
(3) Leasaítear leis seo Acht 1936—
(a) trí “£15,000” a chur in ionad “dhá mhíle punt” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) in alt 20, agus
(b) trí “£15,000” a chur in ionad “dhá mhíle punt” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) in alt 23.
Leathnú ar dhlínse na Cúirte Cuarda faoin Acht um Stádas Ban Pósta, 1957.
3.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 12 den Acht um Stádas Ban Pósta, 1957, tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (3):
“(3) Más mó ná £200 luacháil inrátaithe na talún agus gur chun na Cúirte Cuarda a dhéanfar an t-iarratas, déanfaidh an Chúirt sin, má iarrann cosantóir nó freagróir é sula n-éistfear an t-iarratas, na himeachtaí a aistriú chun na hArd-Chúirte, ach is bailí d'aon ordú nó gníomh a rinneadh i gcúrsa na n-imeachtaí sin roimh an aistriú sin mura ndéanfar é a urscaoileadh nó a athrú le hordú ón Ard-Chúirt.”.
Leathnú ar dhlínse na Cúirte Cuarda faoin Acht Comharbais, 1965.
4.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 6 den Acht Comharbais, 1965, tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (3):
“(3) Mura rud é go síneoidh na páirtithe riachtanacha sna himeachtaí i gcúis, roimh an éisteacht nó tráth ar bith lena linn, an fhoirm thoilithe a ordaítear le rialacha cúirte, ní bheidh dlínse ag an gCúirt Chuarda, de bhua fho-alt (2), i gcás eastát an duine éagtha, sa mhéid gur eastát réadach é a raibh sé, tráth a bháis, bhfeo-úinéireacht air nó ina sheilbh go tairbhiúil, a bheith níos mó ná £200 ina luacháil inrátaithe.”.
Dlínse na Cúirte Cuarda i ndáil le hidirscaradh a mensa et thoro.
5.—Dílseofar sa Chúirt Chuarda an dlínse a shonraítear in alt 7 den Matrimonial Causes and Marriage Law (Ireland) Amendment Act, 1870, maidir le hidirscaradh a mensa et thoro.
Leathnú ar dhlínse na Cúirte Dúiche.
6.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 77 d'Acht 1924—
(a) trí na clásail seo a leanas a chur in ionad chlásail (i) go (iii) (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) de mhír A:
“(i) i gconradh, sárú conartha, tort (ach amháin béadchaint, leabhal, caidreamh collaí, meabhiú, clúmhilleadh teidil, ionchúiseamh mailíseach agus príosúnú neamhdhleathach) agus in éilimh ar dhamáistí nach mbaineann le conradh, mura mó an t-éileamh ná £2,500:
Ar choinníoll nach n-oibreoidh cinneadh ó bhreitheamh den Chúirt Dúiche i gcás ina bhfuil teideal chun talún i saincheist mar urbhac ná mar urchosc ar agra in aon chúirt maidir leis an talamh sin;
(ii) in eisiachtain i leith neamhíoc cíosa nó i leith rósheilbhe in aon aicme tionóntachta nach mó an cíos uirthi ná suim is comhionann, nó a d'fhéadfadh a bheith comhionann, le £2,500 sa bhliain;
(iii) in imeachtaí ar agra an Stáit nó aon údaráis Stáit (de réir bhrí Acht na gCúirteanna (Forálacha Forlíontacha), 1961) nó aon oifigigh don Stát nó d'aon údarás Stáit chun aon suim a ghnóthú nach mó ná £2,500 atá dlite don Stát nó inghnóthaithe ag an Stát nó thar a cheann, cibé acu ar mhodh pionóis, féich nó eile, agus d'ainneoin aon achtacháin atá i bhfeidhm faoi láthair lena gceanglaítear agra a dhéanamh i leith na suime sin san Ard-Chúirt nó in aon uaschúirt eile;”, agus
(b) trí “£2,500” a chur in ionad “£250” i gclásal (v) (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1936).
Leathnú ar dhlínse na Cúirte Dúiche in idirphléadáil ag foshirriaim.
7.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 22 (1) den Acht um Fheidhmiú Orduithe Cúirte, 1926, trí “£2,500” a chur in ionad “dhá chéad agus caoga punt” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971).
Leathnú ar dhlínse na Cúirte Dúiche faoi na hAchtanna Fruilcheannaigh, 1946 agus 1960.
8.—(1) Leasaítear leis seo alt 19 den Acht Fruilcheannaigh (Leasú), 1960, trí “£2,500” a chur in ionad “dhá chéad agus caoga punt” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) i bhfo-ailt (1) agus (2).
(2) Leasaítear leis seo alt 33 (4) (a) d'Acht 1961 trí “£2,500” a chur in ionad “dhá chéad agus caoga punt” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971).
Leathnú ar dhlínse na Cúirte Dúiche faoin Acht Srianta Cíosa, 1960.
9.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 50 (b) den Acht Srianta Cíosa, 1960, trí “£2,500” a chur in ionad “£315” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) i bhfomhír (ii).
Leathnú ar dhlínse na Cúirte Dúiche i gcásanna míchoinneála.
10.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 33 (3) d'Acht 1961 trí “£2,500” a chur in ionad “£250” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971).
Leathnú ar dhlínse na Cúirte Cuarda agus na Cúirte Dúiche faoin Acht um Dhílseánaigh Óstán, 1963.
11.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 10 den Acht um Dhílseánaigh Óstán, 1963—
(a) trí “£15,000” a chur in ionad “£2,000” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) i bhfo-alt (1), agus
(b) trí “£2,500” a chur in ionad “£250” (a cuireadh isteach le hAcht 1971) i bhfo-alt (2).
Dlínse faoin Acht um an Dlí Teaghlaigh (Cothabháil Céilí agus Leanaí), 1976.
12.—Leasaítear leis seo an tAcht um an Dlí Teaghlaigh (Cothabháil Céilí agus Leanaí), 1976, tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 23:
“23. (1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2) den alt seo beidh dlínse ag an gCúirt Chuarda agus ag an gCúirt Dúiche imeachtaí faoi ailt 5, 6, 7 agus 9 den Acht seo a éisteacht agus a chinneadh.
(2) (a) Ní bheidh ag an gCúirt Dúiche ná ag an gCúirt Chuarda, ar achomharc ón gCúirt Dúiche, dlínse ordú a dhéanamh faoin Acht seo á ordú go n-íocfar suim thréimhsiúil de réir ráta is mó ná £100 sa tseachtain chun céile a chothú nó is mó ná £30 sa tseachtain chun leanbh a chothú.
(b) Faoi réir mhír (d) den fho-alt seo, ní fhorléireofar aon ní i bhfo-alt (1) den alt seo mar ní a thugann don Chuirt Dúiche nó don Chúirt Chuarda dlínse ordú nó ordachán a dhéanamh faoi alt 5, 6, 7 nó 9 den Acht seo in aon ábhar a ndearna an Ard-Chúirt ordú nó ordachán i ndáil leis faoi aon cheann de na hailt sin.
(c) Faoi réir mhír (d) den fho-alt seo, ní fhorléireofar aon ní i bhfo-alt (1) den alt seo mar ní a thugann don Chúirt Dúiche dlínse ordú nó ordachán a dhéanamh faoi alt 5, 6, 7, nó 9 den Acht seo in aon ábhar a ndearna an Chúirt Chuarda (ach amháin ar achomharc ón gCúirt Dúiche) ordú nó ordachán i ndáil leis faoi aon cheann de na hailt sin.
(d) Féadfaidh an Chúirt Dúiche nó an Chúirt Chuarda ordú nó ordachán a rinne an Ard-Chúirt faoi alt 5, 6, 7 nó 9 den Acht seo roimh thosach feidhme alt 12 d'Acht na gCúirteanna, 1981, a athrú nó a chúlghairm—
(i) má bhíonn na himthosca lenar bhain an t-ordú nó an t-ordachán ón Ard-Chúirt athraithe seachas de bhíthin an tosach feidhme sin, agus
(ii) más rud é, i gcás an Chúirt Dúiche d'athrú nó do chúlghairm ordaithe nó ordacháin den sórt sin, go mbeadh forálacha an ordaithe nó an ordacháin faoi réim dhlínse na Cúirte sin dá mba go raibh an t-alt sin 12 i ngníomh tráth an ordaithe nó an ordacháin a dhéanamh.”.
Dlínse faoin Acht um Chaomhnú Áras an Teaghlaigh, 1976.
13.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 10 den Acht um Chaomhnú Áras an Teaghlaigh, 1976—
(a) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (4):
“(4) Más mó ná £200 luach inrátaithe na talún lena mbaineann na himeachtaí agus gur sa Chúirt Chuarda a thionscnófar na himeachtaí, déanfaidh an Chúirt sin, má éilíonn cosantóir sin sula n-éistfear iad, na himeachtaí a aistriú chuig an Ard-Chúirt, ach is bailí d'aon ordú nó ní a rinneadh i gcúrsa na n-imeachtaí sin roimh an aistriú sin mura ndéanfar urscaoileadh nó athrú air le hordú ón Ard-Chúirt.”,
agus
(b) trí “£2,500” a chur in ionad “£1,000” i bhfo-alt (5).
Dlínse faoi Acht na Leanbhaí Tabhartha (Orduithe Athairíochta), 1930.
14.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 19 d'Acht 1971—
(a) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (2):
“(2) (a) Faoi réir fho-alt (3) den alt seo, beidh dlínse ag an gCúirt Chuarda, i gcomhthráth leis an gCúirt Dúiche, imeachtaí a éisteacht agus a chinneadh faoi Acht na Leanbhaí Tabhartha (Orduithe Athairíochta), 1930, a dúradh, agus beidh feidhm ag an Acht sin, fara aon mhodhnuithe agus oiriúnuithe is gá i ndáil le haon imeachtaí den sórt sin sa Chúirt Chuarda, nó ar achomharc ón gCúirt sin, san Ard-Chúirt.
(b) Beidh foráil sna Rialacha Cúirte go ndéanfar imeachtaí sa Chúirt Chuarda faoin Acht sin a stiúradh ar bhealach achomair.”, agus
(b) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (3):
“(3) (a) Ní bheidh dlínse ag an gCúirt Dúiche ná ag an gCúirt Chuarda, ar achomharc ón gCúirt Dúiche, ordú a dhéanamh faoin Acht sin chun suim thréimhsiúil is mó ná £30 sa tseachtain a íoc le cothabháil agus oideachas linbh.
(b) Faoi réir mhír (c) den fho-alt seo, ní fhorléireofar aon ní san alt seo mar ní a thugann—
(i) dlínse don Chúirt Dúiche ordú a dhéanamh faoin Acht sin in aon ábhar a bhfuil ordú déanta i ndáil leis ag an Ard-Chúirt nó ag an gCúirt Chuarda faoin Acht sin, nó
(ii) dlínse don Chúirt Chuarda ordú a dhéanamh faoin Acht sin in aon ábhar a bhfuil ordú déanta i ndáil leis ag an Ard-Chúirt faoin Acht sin.
(c) Féadfaidh an Chúirt Dúiche agus an Chúirt Chuarda ordú arna dhéanamh ag an Ard-Chúirt faoin Acht sin roimh thosach feidhme alt 14 d'Acht na gCúirteanna, 1981, a athrú nó a chúlghairm—
(i) má bhíonn na himthosca lenar bhain an t-ordú ón Ard-Chúirt athraithe seachas de bhíthin an tosach feidhme sin, agus
(ii) más rud é, i gcás an Chúirt Dúiche d'athrú nó do chúlghairm ordaithe den sórt sin, go mbeadh forálacha an ordaithe faoi réim dhlínse na Cúirte sin dá mba go raibh an t-alt sin 14 i ngníomh tráth an ordaithe a dhéanamh.”.
Dlínse faoin Acht um Chaomhnóireacht Naíon, 1964.
15.—(1) Leasaítear leis seo an tAcht um Chaomhnóireacht Naíon, 1964—
(a) tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 5:
“5.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2) den alt seo, féadfaidh an Chúirt Chuarda nó an Chúirt Dúiche an dlínse a thugtar do chúirt faoin gCuid seo a fheidhmiú.
(2) Ní bheidh dlínse ag an gCúirt Dúiche ná ag an gCúirt Chuarda, ar achomharc ón gCúirt Dúiche, ordú a dhéanamh faoin Acht seo chun suim thréimhsiúil de réir ráta is mó ná £30 sa tseachtain a íoc chun naí a chothabháil.
(3) An dlínse a thugtar leis an gCuid seo is dlínse í i dteannta aon dlínse eile chun caomhnóirí a cheapadh nó a chur as oifig nó maidir le coimircíocht naíonna nó cúram eastát naíonna.”,
(b) tríd an míniú seo a leanas a chur in ionad an mhínithe ar “an chúirt” in alt 13:
“ciallaíonn ‘an chúirt’ an Chúirt Chuarda nó an Chúirt Dúiche;”, agus
(c) trí “an Chúirt Chuarda” a chur in ionad “an chúirt” in alt 18 (1).
(2) (a) Faoi réir mhír (c) den fho-alt seo, ní fhorléireofar aon ní san Acht um Chaomhnóireacht Naíon, 1964, arna leasú le fo-alt (1) den alt seo, mar ní a thugann don Chúirt Dúiche dlínse ordú a dhéanamh faoi Chuid II nó III den Acht sin a ndearna an Ard-Chúirt nó an Chúirt Chuarda (ach amháin ar achomharc ón gCúirt Dúiche) ordú i ndáil leis faoin gCuid sin II nó faoin gCuid sin III.
(b) Faoi réir mhír (c) den fho-alt seo, ní fhorléireofar aon ní san Acht um Chaomhnóireacht Naíon, 1964, arna leasú le fo-alt (1) den alt seo, mar ní a thugann don Chúirt Chuarda dlínse ordú a dhéanamh faoi Chuid II nó III den Acht sin a ndearna an Ard-Chúirt ordú i ndáil leis faoin gCuid sin II nó faoin gCuid sin III.
(c) Féadfaidh an Chúirt Dúiche agus an Chúirt Chuarda ordú a rinne an Ard-Chúirt faoin gCuid sin II nó faoin gCuid sin III roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo a athrú nó a chúlghairm—
(i) má bhíonn na himthosca lenar bhain an t-ordú ón Ard-Chúirt athraithe seachas de bhíthin an tosach feidhme sin, agus
(ii) más rud é, i gcás an Chúirt Dúiche d'athrú nó do chúlghairm ordaithe den sórt sin, go mbeadh forálacha an ordaithe faoi réim dhlínse na Cúirte sin dá mba go raibh an t-alt seo i ngníomh tráth an ordaithe a dhéanamh.
An láthair i ndáil le dlínsí áirithe de chuid na Cúirte Cuarda agus na Cúirte Dúiche.
16.—(1) Is é breitheamh na cuarda ina bhfuil gnáthchónaí ar aon pháirtí sna himeachtaí nó ina seolann sé aon ghairm, gnó nó slí bheatha, a fheidhmeoidh an dlínse faoi Acht na Leanbhaí Tabhartha (Orduithe Athairíochta), 1930, faoin Acht um Chaomhnóireacht Naíon, 1964, faoin Acht um an Dlí Teaghlaigh (Cothabháil Céilí agus Leanaí), 1976, agus faoi alt 5 den Acht seo a thugtar don Chúirt Chuarda.
(2) D'ainneoin aon ní dá bhfuil in alt 79 den Acht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais, 1924, agus, maidir le himeachtaí faoi Acht na Leanbhaí Tabhartha (Orduithe Athairíochta), 1930, in alt 2 den Acht deiridh sin, féadfar imeachtaí faoin Acht deiridh sin, faoin Acht um Chaomhnóireacht Naíon, 1964, agus faoin Acht um an Dlí Teaghlaigh (Cothabháil Céilí agus Leanaí), 1976, a thionscnamh, a éisteacht agus a chinneadh os comhair bhreithimh agus ag breitheamh den Chúirt Dúiche a bheidh sannta de thuras na huaire don dúiche Cúirte Dúiche ina bhfuil gnáthchónaí ar aon pháirtí sna himeachtaí nó ina seolann sé aon ghairm, gnó nó slí bheatha.
Teorainn le méid costas gearánaí in imeachtaí áirithe.
17.—(1) In aon chaingean maidir le tort nó le sárú gealltanais phósta a tosaíodh agus a éisteadh san Ard-Chúirt, ar caingean í inar mó ná £2,500 ach nach mó ná £7,500, méid na ndamáistí a ghnóthaigh an gearánaí, ní bheidh an gearánaí i dteideal níos mó costas a ghnóthú ná cibé méid acu seo a leanas is 1ú, is é sin le rá, méid na ndamáistí sin nó méid na gcostas a bheadh sé i dteideal a ghnóthú dá mba sa Chúnt Chuarda a thosófaí an chaingean, mura ndéanfaidh an breitheamh a bheidh ag éisteacht na caingne deimhniú speisialta a dheonú faoin alt seo.
(2) In aon chaingean chun suim leachtaithe a ghnóthú, ar caingean í inar mó ná £2,500 ach nach mó ná £7,500 an méid a ghnóthaigh an gearánaí, ní bheidh an gearánaí i dteideal níos mó costas a ghnóthú ná a bheadh sé i dteideal a ghnóthú dá mba sa Chúirt Chuarda a thosófaí an chaingean.
(3) In aon chaingean chun suim leachtaithe a ghnóthú, ar caingean í nach mó ná £2,500 an méid a ghnóthaigh an gearánaí inti, ní bheidh an gearánaí i dteideal níos mó costas a ghnóthnú ná a bheadh sé i dteideal a ghnóthú dá mba sa Chúirt Dúiche a thosófaí an chaingean.
(4) I gcás cúirt do dhéanamh ordú i bhfabhar an ghearánaí nó an iarratasóra in aon imeachtaí (seachas caingean a shonraítear i bhfo-ailt (1) go (3) den alt seo) agus nach í an chúirt is ísle a bhfuil dlínse aici ordú a dhéanamh ag deonú an fhaoisimh (abairt a fholaíonn damáistí san alt seo) is ábhar don ordú an chúirt inar tosaíodh na himeachtaí, ní bheidh an gearánaí i dteideal níos mó costas a ghnóthú ná a bheadh sé i dteideal a ghnóthú dá mba sa chúirt sin is ísle a thosófaí na himeachtaí mura rud é gur breitheamh a dhéanfaidh an t-ordú agus mura ndeonóidh an breitheamh deimhniú speisialta faoin alt seo.
(5) I gcás a n-éistfidh breitheamh aon chaingean dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) den alt seo nó a ndéanfaidh sé ordú den chineál dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (4) den alt seo, féadfaidh sé, ar iarratas ón ngearánaí nó ón iarratasóir sna himeachtaí a dhéanfar láithreach ar an éisteacht a chinneadh a bhaineann leis an gcaingean nó leis an ordú, deimhniú speisialta i scríbhinn a dheonú á rá gurbh é tuairim an bhreithimh sin go raibh sé réasúnach, ar mhaithe leis an gceartas i gcoitinne, mar gheall ar chineál neamhchoitianta na n-imeachtaí nó aon cheist dlí iontu, gur sa chúirt inar tosaíodh na himeachtaí ba cheart iad a thosú.
(6) Ní bheidh sé dleathach do rialacha cúirte aon sriantacht a bheith iontu ná aon sriantacht a fhorchur maidir le méid na gcostas is inghnóthaithe ag páirtí ar bith ó pháirtí ar bith eile in aon chaingean nó imeacht eile, ach ní chuirfidh aon ní san fho-alt seo cosc le sriantacht a chur isteach i rialacha cúirte maidir le méid na gcostas is inghnóthaithe atá comhionann le sriantacht a fhorchuirtear leis an alt seo ná leis an méid a shocrú le rialacha cúirte is inghnóthaithe ag aon duine mar na costais agus na caiteachais agus le haghaidh na gcostas agus na gcaiteachas a thabhaigh sé agus aon ní sonraithe á dhéanamh aige in aon saghas áirithe caingne nó imeachta eile.
Dualgais breithiúna áirithe a chomhlíonadh go sealadach.
18.—(1) (a) Más rud é, le linn aon tréimhse, nach mbeidh an Príomh-Breitheamh in ann, de dheasca tinnis nó mar gheall ar aon chúis eile, gnó a oifige a dhéanamh nó go mbeidh oifig an Phríomh-Bhreithimh folamh, déanfaidh Uachtarán na hArd-Chúirte na dlínsí, na cumhachtaí, na húdaráis agus na feidhmeanna go léir a bheidh dílsithe dó de thuras na huaire de bhua a oifige, seachas an chumhacht maidir le cinneadh a shonraítear in alt 7 (4) d'Acht na gCúirteanna (Forálacha Forlíontacha), 1961, a fheidhmiú nó a chomhlíonadh nó, mura mbeidh Uachtarán na hArd-Chúirte in ann, de dheasca tinnis nó mar gheall ar aon chúis eile, na dlínsí, na cumhachtaí, na húdaráis agus na feidhmeanna sin a fheidhmiú nó a chomhlíonadh, nó má bhíonn folúntas in oifig Uachtarán na hArd-Chúirte, déanfaidh an gnáth-bhreitheamh den Chúirt Uachtarach is sinsearaí a bheidh ar fáil de thuras na huaire iad a fheidhmiú nó a chomhlíonadh.
(b) Beidh an chumhacht maidir le cinneadh a thugtar le halt 7 (4) d'Acht na gCúirteanna (Forálacha Forlíontacha), 1961, don Phríomh-Bhreitheamh agus is infheidhmithe, má bhíonn sé as láthair, de bhua na forála sin, ag an ngnáth-bhreitheamh den Chúirt Uachtarach is sinsearaí a bheidh ar fáil de thuras na huaire, infheidhmithe freisin ag an mbreitheamh deiridh sin má bhíonn oifig an Phríomh-Bhreithimh folamh.
(2) Más rud é, le linn aon tréimhse, nach mbeidh Uachtarán na hArd-Chúirte in ann, de dheasca tinnis mó mar gheall ar aon chúis eile, gnó a oifige a dhéanamh, nó go mbeidh oifig Uachtarán na hArd-Chúirte folamh, déanfaidh an gnáth-bhreitheamh den Ard-Chúirt is sinsearaí a bheidh ar fáil de thuras na huaire na dlínsí, na cumhachtaí, na húdaráis agus na feidhmeanna go léir a bheidh dílsithe dó de thuras na huaire de bhua a oifige, seachas iad sin a thugtar dó le fo-alt (1) den alt seo, a fheidhmiú nó a chomhlíonadh.
(3) Más rud é, le linn aon tréimhse nach mbeidh Uachtarán na Cúirte Cuarda in ann gníomhú nó go mbeidh oifig Uachtarán na Cúirte Cuarda folamh, ansin, le linn na tréimhse sin, déanfaidh an breitheamh is sinsearaí a bheidh ar fáil de thuras na huaire de na breithiúna den Chúirt Chuarda a bheidh buansannta do Chuaird Bhaile Átha Cliath na cumhachtaí, na húdaráis agus na feidhmeanna go léir a bheidh dílsithe dó de bhua a oifige a fheidhmiú nó a chomhlíonadh.
(4) Más rud é, le linn aon tréimhse, nach mbeidh Uachtarán na Cúirte Dúiche in ann gníomhú nó go mbeidh oifig Uachtarán na Cúirte Dúiche folamh, ansin, le linn na tréimhse sin, déanfaidh an breitheamh is sinsearaí a bheidh ar fáil de thuras na huaire de na breithiúna den Chúirt Dúiche a bheidh buansannta do Dhúiche Chath rach Bhaile Átha Cliath na cumhachtaí, na húdaráis agus na feidhmeanna go léir a bheidh dílsithe dó de bhua a oifige a fheidhmiú nó a chomhlíonadh.
Méadú ar an ús ar fhiacha breithiúnais.
19.—(1) Leasaítear leis seo alt 26 den Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, trí “11” a chur in ionad “four pounds”.
(2) Leasaítear leis seo alt 47 (1) d'Acht 1961 trí “nó ar fhoraithne ón gCúirt Dúiche” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “ón gCúirt Chuarda”.
An ráta úis a shonraítear in alt 26 den Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, a athrú le hordú.
20.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2) den alt seo, féadfaidh an tAire Dlí agus Cirt, más deimhin leis gur cheart, ag féachaint do leibhéal na rátaí úis i gcoitinne sa Stát, an ráta úis sa bhliain atá sonraithe de thuras na huaire in alt 26 den Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, a athrú, ordú a dhéanamh ag athrú an ráta úis a shonraítear amhlaidh agus beidh éifeacht leis an alt sin 26 de réir théarmaí aon ordaithe den sórt sin.
(2) Ní thiocfaidh ordú faoin alt seo i ngníomh laistigh de 2 bhliain ó thosach feidhme alt 19 (1) den Acht seo nó ordaithe a rinnead roimhe sin agus nár cuireadh ar neamhní faoin alt seo.
(3) Gach ordú a dhéanfar faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus, má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin laistigh den lá is fiche a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an t-ordú a leagan faoina bhráid rún a rith ag neamhniú an ordaithe, beidh an t-ordú ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin ordú.
Alt 27 den Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, a leathnú.
21.—Bainfidh alt 27 den Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840—
(a) le foraitheanta agus orduithe ón gCúirt Chuarda lena bhforáiltear costais, muirir agus caiteachais a íoc, agus
(b) leis na daoine a gceanglaítear na híocaíochtaí sin a dhéanamh leo.
mar a bhaineann sé—
(c) le foraitheanta agus orduithe ón gCúirt Seansaireachta dá dtagraítear san alt sin agus lena bhforáiltear íocaíochtaí den sórt sin a dhéanamh, agus
(d) leis na daoine a gceanglaítear na híocaíochtaí deiridh sin a dhéanamh leo.
Cumhacht na gcúirteanna a ordú go n-íocfar ús ar dhámhachtainí.
22.—(1) Más rud é in aon imeachtaí go n-ordóidh cúirt go n-íocfaidh aon duine suim airgid (abairt a fholaíonn damáistí san alt seo), féadfaidh an breitheamh lena mbaineann, más cuí leis é, a ordú freisin go n-íocfaidh an duine ús de réir an ráta sa bhliain a bheidh sonraithe de thuras na huaire in alt 26 den Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, ar an tsuim go léir nó ar aon chuid di i leith na tréimhse go léir nó i leith aon choda di idir an dáta a d'fhaibhrigh an chúis chaingne agus dáta an breithiúnais.
(2) Níl aon ní i bhfo-alt (1) den alt seo—
(a) a údaróidh ús a thabhairt ar ús, ná
(b) a mbeidh feidhm aige i ndáil le haon fhiach a bhfuil ús iníoctha air ó cheart de bhua aon chomhaontaithe nó eile, ná
(c) a rachaidh i gcion ar aon damáistí is inghnóthaithe de bharr bille malairte a obadh, ná
(d) a údaróidh ús a thabhairt in aghaidh tréimhse roimh dháta an Achta seo a rith, ná
(e) a údaróidh ús a thabhairt ar dhamáistí i ndíobhálacha pearsanta ná i leith bás duine, a mhéid is damáistí iad—
(i) i leith aon chaillteanais a tharlóidh tar éis dáta an bhreithiúnais le haghaidh na ndamáistí, nó
(ii) i leith aon chaillteanais (nach caillteanas airgid) a tharla idir an dáta a d'fhaibhrigh an chúis chaingne lena mbaineann na damáistí agus dáta an bhreithiúnais sin.
(3) San alt seo—
folaíonn “damáistí i ndíobhálacha pearsanta” damáistí i ndíobhálacha pearsanta a d'éirigh as conradh;
ciallaíonn “caillteanas airgid” caillteanas in airgead nó i luach airgid cibé acu trí scaradh le rud atá ag duine nó trí gan rud a fháil a d'fhéadfadh duine a fháil;
folaíonn “díobhálacha pearsanta” aon ghalar agus aon dochrú ar staid fhisiciúil nó intinne duine;
folaíonn “imeachtaí” imeachtaí ar páirtí iontu an Stát nó údarás Stáit (de réir bhrí Acht 1961).
Ní bheidh ús ar bhreithiúnais nach mó ná £150.
23.—(1) D'ainneoin ailt 26 agus 27 den Debtors (Ireland) Act, 1840, ní bheidh aon ús ar bhreithiúnais, foraitheanta nó orduithe ó aon chúirt—
(a) chun méid nach mó ná £150, nó
(b) chun na costais a ghabhann le breithiúnas, foraithne nó ordú den sórt sin,
nó an dá ní sin, a íoc.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire Dlí agus Cirt ordú a dhéanamh ag athrú an méid atá sonraithe i bhfo-alt (1) (a) den alt seo de thuras na huaire agus beidh éifeacht leis an bhfo-alt sin (1) (a) de réir théarmaí aon ordaithe den sórt sin.
(3) Gach ordú a dhéanfar faoin alt seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus, má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin laistigh den lá is fiche a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an t-ordú a leagan faoina bhráid rún a rith ag neamhniú an ordaithe, beidh an t-ordú ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin ordú.
Foraitheanta ón gCúirt Dúiche a chlárú mar mhorgáistí breithiúnais.
24.—Measfar maidir le gach foraithne ón gCúirt Dúiche (cibé acu roimh thosach feidhme an ailt seo nó dá éis sin a fuarthas í) gur breithiúnas í a taifeadadh in uaschúirt i mBaile Átha Cliath de réir bhrí agus chun críocha alt 6 den Judgment-Mortgage (Ireland) Act, 1850, agus beidh feidhm agus éifeacht dá réir sin leis an Acht sin i ndáil le gach foraithne ón gCúirt Dúiche ach sin fara an modhnú go ndéanfar aon mhionnscríbhinn den sórt a luaitear san alt sin 6 agus a dhéanfar i ndáil le haon fhoraithne den sórt sin a chomhdú san oifig chúirte dúiche a ndéanfar an fhoraithne sin a thaifeadadh inti in ionad na huaschúirte nó na cúirte eile a luaitear san alt sin; agus ní mó ná méid na foraithne méid aon chostais a mbeidh teideal iad a lua sa mhionnscríbhinn sin maidir leis an mionnscríbhinn sin a chomhdú agus a chlárú de bhun an ailt sin 6.
Foraitheanta on gCúirt Dúiche a chlárú i bPríomh-Oifig na hArd-Chúirte.
25.—Féadfar aon fhoraithne ón gCúirt Dúiche a dhéanfar tar éis tosach feidhme an ailt seo a chlárú i bPríomh-Oifig na hArd-Chúirte sa tslí chéanna inar féidir breithiúnas den sórt céanna ón Ard-Chúirt a chlárú san Oifig sin.
(2) An cleachtas agus an nós imeachta a úsáidtear sa Phríomh-Oifig sin i ndáil le breithiúnais ón Ard-Chúirt a chlárú beidh feidhm acu i ndáil le foraitheanta ón gCúirt Dúiche a chlárú faoin alt seo agus déanfar dá réir i ndáil leis an gclárú sin.
(3) I gcás foraithne ón gCúirt Dúiche i leith costas nó a n-áirítear costais inti a chlárú sa Phríomh-Oifig sin faoin alt seo, déanfar na costais a tabhaíodh ag clárú na foraithne sin a chur leis na costais agus a áireamh sna costais is iníoctha faoin bhforaithne sin, agus bainfidh an clárú sin dá réir sin leis na costais bhreise sin.
Feidhm alt 336 den Irish Bankrupt and Insolvent Act, 1857, maidir le foraitheanta ón gCúirt Dúiche.
26.—Measfar maidir le gach foraithne ón gCúirt Dúiche a gheofar tar éis tosach feidhme an ailt seo gur breithiúnas ó uaschúirt í de réir bhrí agus chun críche alt 336 den Irish Bankrupt and Insolvent Act, 1857, agus beidh feidhm agus éifeacht dá réir sin leis an alt sin i ndáil le gach foraithne den sórt sin ón gCúirt Dúiche, ach sin fara an modhnú go ndéanfar, le linn an t-alt sin a bheith á fheidhmiú amhlaidh, clárú i bPríomh-Oifig na hArd-Chúirte faoin Acht seo a chur in ionad chlárú in oifig chláraitheoir na mbreithiúnas.
Leasú ar an Acht Cúirte Cuarda (Breithiúntaisí do Chlárú), 1937.
27.—Leasaítear leis seo an tAcht Cúirte Cuarda (Breithiúntaisí do Chlárú), 1937, trí “, mara ndearnadh na costaisí sin amach do réir scála na Cúirte Dúithche,” in alt 2 (3) a scriosadh.
Cúiteamh in anbhuain mheabhrach i dtionóiscí marfacha.
28.—(1) Leasaítear leis seo mír (b) d'alt 49 (1) den Acht um Dhliteanas Sibhialta, 1961, trí “£7,500” a chur in ionad “míle punt”.
(2) Leasaítear leis seo fo-alt (2) d'alt 18 (a cuireadh isteach leis an Acht Aerloingseoireachta agus Aeriompair, 1965) den Acht um Aer-Loingseoireacht agus Aer-Iompar, 1936, trí “thar £7,500” a chur in ionad “thar mhíle punt”.
(3) Ní bheidh éifeacht le fo-ailt (1) agus (2) den alt seo i ndáil le cúis chaingne a d'fhaibhrigh roimh an 15ú lá de Dheireadh Fómhair, 1980.
Leasú ar alt 35 d'Acht 1936.
29.—Leasaítear leis seo alt 35 d'Acht 1936 tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (2):
“(2) Taistealóidh agus suífidh an Príomh-Bhreitheamh, más cuí leis agus nuair is cuí leis, mar bhreitheamh den Ard-Chúirt ar Cuaird, agus taistealóidh agus suífidh gach breitheamh eile den Chúirt Uachtarach mar bhreitheamh den Ard-Chúirt ar Cuaird nuair a iarrfaidh an Príomh-Bhreitheamh air sin a dhéanamh, agus beidh gach breitheamh eile den sórt sin, agus é ag taisteal agus ag suí amhlaidh, ina bhreitheamh breise den Ard-Chúirt.”.
Leasú ar Acht na gCúirteanna, 1977.
30.—Leasaítear leis seo Acht na gCúirteanna, 1977—
(a) in alt 1, tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (2):
“(2) Dháréag ar a mhéid an líon gnáth-bhreithiúna a bheidh sa Chúirt Chuarda.”, agus
(b) in alt 2—
(i) tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhír (a) d'fho-alt (1):
“(a) Beidh cúigear breitheamh den Chúirt Chuarda buansannta do Chuaird Bhaile Átha Cliath.”. agus
(ii) tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhír (a) d'fho-alt (2):
“(a) do Chuaird Bhaile Átha Cliath más rud é ar dháta an cheaptha gur lú ná cúigear an líon breithiúna a bheidh buansannta don chuaird sin, nó”.
Breithiúna den Chúirt Chuarda d'aistriú trialacha i gcásanna coiriúla.
31.—(1) Faoi réir fho-ailt (2) agus (3) den alt seo, i gcás duine a bheidh cúisithe i gcion indíotáilte (dá ngairtear “cúisí” san alt seo) a chur ar aghaidh chun a thrialach go dtí an Chúirt Chuarda ina suí di in áit seachas laistigh de Chuaird Bhaile Átha Cliath, déanfar, maidir le hiarratas ón ionchúisitheoir nó ón gcúisí chuig an mbreitheamh den Chúirt Chuarda a mbeidh an cúisí intriailte os a chomhair ag iarraidh an triail a aistriú, go dtí an Chúirt Chuarda ina suí di laistigh de Chuaird Bhaile Átha Cliath—
(a) géilleadh dó i gcás a ndearna páirtí déanta an iarratais, seacht lá ar a laghad roimh thráth a dhéanta, fógra a thabhairt don chúisí nó don ionchúisitheoir, de réir mar a bheidh, i dtaobh an iarratais, agus
(b) géilleadh dó nó é a dhiúltú in aon chás eile, de rogha an bhreithimh, agus is cinneadh críochnaitheach neamhinachomhairc an cinneadh géilleadh don iarratas nó é a dhiúltú.
(2) Más rud é—
(a) go gcuirfear dhá chúisí nó níos mó ar aghaidh chun a dtrialach go dtí an Chúirt Chuarda ina suí di in áit seachas laistigh de Chuaird Bhaile Átha Cliath agus go mbeartófar iad a thriail le chéile, agus
(b) go ngéillfear d'iarratas ó dhuine amháin nó níos mó de na cúisithe, ach ní uathu go léir, faoi fho-alt (1) den alt seo,
géillfear d'iarratas, a rinneadh gan fógra a thabhairt don chúisí, ón iarratasóir chun an bhreithimh a ghéill don iarratas go ndéanfaí triail duine amháin nó níos mó de na cúisithe eile a aistriú go dtí an Chúirt Chuarda ina suí di laistigh de Chuaird Bhaile Átha Cliath.
(3) Más giorra ná seacht lá an tréimhse idir an dáta ar a gcuirfear an cúisí ar aghaidh chun a thrialach agus an dáta ar a dtosófar ar an triail, géillfear d'iarratas faoi fho-alt (1) den alt seo.
Aisghairm.
32.—(1) Déantar leis seo na hachtacháin a luaitear i gcolún (2) de Chuid I den Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo a aisghairm a mhéid a luaitear i gcolún (3) den Sceideal sin.
(2) Déantar leis seo na hachtacháin a luaitear i gcolún (2) de Chuid II den Sceideal sin a aisghairm, amhail ar agus ó thosach feidhme ait 17 den Acht seo, a mhéid a luaitear i gcolún (3) den Sceideal sin.
Gearrtheideal, lua agus tosach feidhme.
33.—(1) Féadfar Acht na gCúirteanna, 1981, a ghairm den Acht seo.
(2) Féadfar Achtanna na gCúirteanna (Forálacha Forlíontacha), 1961 go 1981, a ghairm d'Achtanna na gCúirteanna (Forálacha Forlíontacha), 1961 go 1979, agus den Acht seo le chéile.
(3) Tiocfaidh ailt 2 go 17, 19(2), 20, 21, 23 agus 25 go 27 den Acht seo i ngníomh an lá a bheidh dhá mhí dhéag tar éis dáta an Achta seo a rith, ach ní bheidh feidhm acu i ndáil le himeachtaí in aon chúirt a tionscnaíodh nó a thionscnófar roimh an lá sin.
(4) Tiocfaidh alt 24 den Acht seo i ngníomh an lá a bheidh dhá mhí dhéag tar éis dáta an Achta seo a rith.
AN SCEIDEAL
Na hAchtacháin a Aisghairtear
CUID I
Uimhir agus Bliain | Gearrtheideal | Méid na hAisghairme |
(1) | (2) | (3) |
Alt 10 (7) | ||
In alt 10, fo-alt (2) agus i bhfo-alt (3), na focail “nó, mura mbíonn sé ar fáil, an bhreithimh den Ard-Chúirt is sinsearaí dá mbeidh ar fáil de thuras na huaire,”; alt 35 (3) | ||
Alt 6 |
CUID II
Alt 12 | ||
Uimhir thagartha 45 sa Cheathrú Sceideal | ||
Alt 23 |
Na hAchtanna dá dTagraítear | |
Attorneys' and Solicitors' Act, 1870 | 1870, c. 28 |