Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 6

Written Answers. - Additional Waterford Area Judge.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

32 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Justice if she will appoint a second full-time Circuit Court judge to the South Eastern Circuit in view of the delays experienced there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6182/96]

Austin Deasy

Question:

93 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice whether she will appoint an additional Circuit Court judge for the areas currently covered by the judge serving Waterford; and if she will have the number of Circuit Court sittings increased to deal with the huge backlog of cases waiting to be heard. [7073/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 93 together.

The Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995, provides for an increase in the maximum number of judges of the Circuit Court, including the President, from 18 to 25. The Act also provides for the permanent assignment of two additional judges to the Dublin Circuit, one additional judge to the Cork Circuit and for the appointment of four unassigned judges.

The allocation of unassigned judges is a matter for the President of the Circuit Court. The permanent assignment of additional judges to other particular Circuits was given full consideration during the drafting of the 1995 Act. However, it was decided, having regard to the level of arrears at all venues of the Circuit Court, that the provisions of the Act as they now stand, provide the most effective method of addressing the backlog of cases.

I understand that the President of the Circuit Court intends that the unassigned judges to be appointed under the Act will be assigned on a temporary basis to those Circuit Court venues worst affected by delays. I am satisfied that the additional judges appointed under the 1995 Act will assist in eliminating delays in the hearing of cases in the South-Eastern Circuit, which includes Waterford.

The arrangement of sittings of the Circuit Court is a matter for the President of the Circuit Court and the judge of the relevant circuit and I have no function in the matter.