Seanad debates
Tuesday, 17 December 2002
Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages.
I appreciate Senator Henry's intervention as well but often cases seem to get lost in the court. That the Oireachtas is now providing for a very definite time limit on these orders ensures they cannot be lost, because they are lost after eight days unless the necessary application is made. It is envisaged that the applicant, or his or her advisers, will at the time of the application fix a return date. Not all applicants have legal representation – some appear in person – but judges are always mindful of the fact that they have a duty to assist a litigant and will naturally advise the litigant that the order is of only eight days duration and that they must come back to court and serve the necessary documentation on the other side.
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