Committee Reports > List of Committees > Dáil > 1973 > Committee of Public Accounts > Interim and Final Report - Appropriation Accounts 1969 - 1970

APPENDIX 18.

COURTS: VERBATIM RECORDING OF EVIDENCE.

An Cléireach,

An Coiste um Chuntais Phoiblí.

At the proceedings of the Committee on the 26th October in connection with the Appropriation Account of the Courts Vote, 1969-70, I undertook to supply certain information in regard to the question of the recording of evidence verbatim and the availability of copies to third parties.

I attach a note setting out the position in the matter.

Accounting Officer,

Department of Justice.

15 Nollaig, 1972.

Note on Verbatim Reporting of Evidence in the Courts.

Criminal Cases.

The evidence in all criminal trials in the Circuit Court, the Central Criminal Court and the Special Criminal Court is recorded verbatim by an official stenographer. (An appeal by a person convicted by any of the courts mentioned lies to the Court of Criminal Appeal and the appeal is heard and determined on the report of the official stenographer.)

Cases other than Criminal Cases.

(a) Circuit Court

In the Circuit Court the only cases, other than criminal trials, in which the evidence is required to be recorded verbatim are cases under the Workmen’s Compensation Acts. (An appeal lies on a question of law from any decision in such cases direct to the Supreme Court and the verbatim record is needed in connection with any such appeal).

(b) High Court

Any party to civil proceedings may apply to the Judge for an order that the proceedings be recorded by a stenographer. In all Chancery cases, however, the evidence is recorded verbatim.

Supplying copies of transcripts to third parties.

This is a matter for decision by the trial Judge. A person who is not a party to the proceedings may apply to the trial Judge for permission to purchase a copy of the transcript stating why the copy is required.