On 19 March 2013, The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr Alan Shatter T.D., announced the publication of the Courts Bill 2013. The Bill has two purposes:- (a) modify the in camera rule which prevents members of the public, including the news media, from being present in court when family law and child care proceedings are being heard. The purpose of the in camera rule is to protect the identity of the parties and any child to whom the proceedings relate. While the general principle is that justice be administered in public, the underlying concern is that family law proceedings relate to matters which are sensitive and private to the parties and there is no public interest in requiring that their identities be published. (b) The second purpose of the Bill is to increase the monetary jurisdiction limits of the Circuit and District Courts in civil proceedings to allow parties involved in legal conflict not to incur more legal costs than are necessary in circumstances in which they have to resort to litigation. You can find more information about the Bill here. Do you have any questions or comments? Please post them below.