Written answers

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Proposed Legislation

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

232. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the proposed draft legislation to replace sworn affidavits with statements of truth; and the difference between the proposed statement of truth and a sworn affidavit in practical and operational terms and in terms of legal consequence and validity. [10092/20]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The statement of truth is intended to provide a new means of submitting evidence or verifying documents or information in legal proceedings. However, the statement of truth is not intended to replace all affidavits in all circumstances. The proposal is that the statement of truth, which may be made in an electronic form, is to be used in place of an affidavit or statutory declaration as a means of submitting evidence or verifying documents electronically.

Without a statement of truth, the Courts Service is limited in its ability to effectively provide electronic services to its users. While the COVID-19 crisis highlights the benefits and necessity of providing electronic services, the statement of truth is not merely a response to that crisis. It is a long term solution with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the courts system for members of the public accessing court services.

It is intended that legislation allowing for a statement of truth will include provision for a false statement of truth to be a contempt of court and will also provide that any person knowingly making or causing the making of a false declaration will be guilty of an offence.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.