Reference is made to a letter under the heading Smoking at the law courts signed by R. Pace Bonello (TMID, 31 March).

May I assure everyone that the Courts administration takes action when this is brought to its attention. Regular spot checks are carried out by the Chief Marshal to ensure that smoking, which is prohibited by law in public places and also in virtue of LN128 of 2006 dealing with the Rules of Court, does not take place.

I can assure R. Pace Bonello that had the Chief Marshal spotted anyone smoking, regardless what status he or she may have, would have been duly processed according to law.

Kevin Mahoney

Director General (Courts)

Editorial note: We are pleased that the Law Courts administration found it fitting to reply to the letter carried. While wondering why it did not reply to the TMID editorial that actually brought up the matter and named a particular MP who has regularly been seen smoking in the building, one now hopes that the Law Courts administration lives up to the promise made in its letter.