asked the Minister for Justice if in view of assurances during the debate on the Courts of Justice Bill, 1959 that the number of members of the judiciary would be reduced he will state the reasons for the recent appointment of a new Circuit Court judge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Circuit Court Judge.
19.
With a view to implementing the assurances to which the Deputy refers the Government have recently made an Order reducing by one the number of Circuit Court circuits and this will permit of a corresponding reduction in the number of judges on the occurrence of the next vacancy. A reduction in the number of judges could not have been effected, on the occasion of the premature retirement of one of the Circuit Judges at the end of last month, without detriment to the smooth administration of justice, and that is why the retiring judge has had to be replaced.