Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I agree with the amendment. Are reviews under way which could further enhance the powers of the county registrar? Changes introduced a few years ago to allow registrars deal in some way with motions to engage in hearing ex parte applications and in the ordering of the list have ensured greater administration of justice at circuit level and given rise to more ordered lists. Matters which may have awaited judicial hearing for months could be dealt with simply and easily before the county registrar. I ask that ongoing reviews take place with a view to hearing submissions from county registrars and their association on the powers they would seek to be vested in them with a view to speeding up the courts system and ensuring justice is administered in an expeditious manner. The amendment is important.

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