TDs back legislation to address Langan ruling at second stage

The Courts Bill 2016 contains technical proposals to deal with the consequences of Permanent TSB v Langan.

In the case, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Circuit Court has no jurisdiction to hear proceedings in respect of property which is not rateable under the Valuation Act 2001.

The debate on the second stage of the bill took place on Tuesday, but a vote was delayed until yesterday.

Opening the debate, minister David Stanton said: “On behalf of the Tánaiste, I want to thank the House for facilitating early discussion of this short Bill, which is primarily intended to avoid potentially serious disruption to court business following a recent Court of Appeal ruling.

“Such disruption could arise from the need to transfer proceedings already under way before the Circuit Court to the High Court or to commence such proceedings in the High Court, with the risk of additional costs and delay for the parties involved.”

The bill will now be referred to the justice select committee.