Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason papers and documents are not accepted by document exchange or post by the central office of the High Court, which consequently requires personal filing and adds to inconvenience and legal costs, despite the fact that all other court offices and Departments will accept such documents; and his plans to regularise the situation. [32174/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I agree with the Deputy that the current practice which requires personal filing is antiquated and unsustainable. I have therefore agreed to proposals to introduce a dual system, i.e. accepting both postal and personal filing, in the High Court and would hope that, resources permitting, the courts can move towards accepting documents via email where appropriate.

While I am conscious that this initiative may impact on the work traditionally carried out by 'town agents', I am satisfied it will modernise the filing process in line with other court jurisdictions and make a modest contribution towards the reduction of legal costs. I await the submission of finalised court rules to introduce the new system which I hope will be in place early next year.