Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 513: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason there is an increase in certain court fees, the tenth such increase since 1983 but no increase in summary judgement costs in the High Court since 1983; the reason the previous Minister for Justice and he have failed to sign the necessary statutory instruments to bring into effect the latter increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24975/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The increase in court fees introduced earlier this year follows a detailed evaluation by the Courts Service including the establishment of a working group to review the system of court fees. The group recommended a broad range of fee increases, most of which have now been implemented. The fee increases were essential in light of increasing costs and having regard to the current economic climate.

The position in relation to summary judgment costs, as the Deputy observes, is that there has been no increase in the costs of judgment in default of appearance in the High Court since 1983. I am informed that in 2008 proposals were submitted to increase this cost to €850, an increase of approximately 700% which was considered excessive. I am conscious of the need to ensure that inter-party costs are reasonable. However, given there has been no increase for nearly 30 years and taking into account the costs anomaly between the Circuit and High Courts, there is undoubtedly some justification to making provision for an increase. The issue is currently under consideration in my Department.