FG seeks increase in ‘ridiculously short’ court hours
Fine Gael TD Jim O'Keeffe has called for court sitting hours to be increased in conjunction with the Government's planned moves to regulate legal fees.
Justice Minister Michael McDowell announced plans last night to set up a body to regulate fees based on the nature and work undertaken by solicitors and barristers.
However, Mr O'Keefe said he believed further measures were also needed to reduce legal costs.
"A more fundamental approach to court costs may be necessary, including looking at the ridiculously short times during which courts sit," he said.
"Often, they only start at 11 o'clock in the day and only sit for three or four hours, with very long vacations as well."
