Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Act 2013

Proceedings in Court, etc.

124.— (1) The Court shall give such priority as, having regard to all the circumstances, it reasonably can to the disposal of proceedings in the Court under this Act.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), an application to the Court in relation to any relevant proceedings (including an application relating to judicial review), not being an application to the Court referred to in Part 9 , shall be made not later than 14 days after the applicant has knowledge, or ought reasonably to have had knowledge, of the matter the subject of the application.

(3) The Court may extend the period referred to in subsection (2) in respect of which an application referred to in that subsection may be made to it in any case where it is satisfied that there is good and sufficient reason for the extension.

(4)(a) In any relevant proceedings, other than an application under Part 9 , the Court shall not grant a stay (other than a stay on notice to the committee) on such proceedings if the Court is satisfied that the applicant concerned could have obtained the stay sought by way of proceedings under that Part.

(b) If the Court is not so satisfied, the Court may grant an ex parte stay on such proceedings only—

(i) where it is satisfied that it is essential in the interests of justice to do so, and

(ii) for such period not exceeding 3 days as may be necessary to put the committee on notice of an application for an extension of the ex parte stay.