As from 1st October 2007 in all cases in which a notice of appeal from a judgment of the High Court in proceedings under the above Act is lodged, the case will be listed for mention on the following Thursday. The practitioners engaged in the appeal must be in a position to indicate to the court, when the case is called on that day, what steps have been taken in order to ensure the expeditious hearing of the appeal. Directions will be given at that time as to the filing of written submissions and an early date will be fixed for the hearing of the appeal.

In the event of the notice of appeal being lodged during the vacation, the appeal will be listed for mention on the first Thursday of the following term or on such other date as may be directed.

This practice direction replaces the practice direction of 17th July 2003 and is being issued in order to ensure that the State complies with those provisions of The Hague Convention requiring promptness and expedition in the disposal of proceedings under the Convention.

John L. Murray
Chief Justice
28th September 2007