Vol. 488 No. 7
368 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to improve the time usage of the courts and improve their efficiency generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7279/98]
The efficiency and effectiveness of the courts has been improved greatly in recent years as a result of the appointment of additional judges and staff; legislative provisions to streamline procedures; the development of case management systems by the Judiciary and the continuing programme of court accommodation refurbishment.
Court delays have been significantly reduced in all courts and virtually eliminated in some venues.
The Courts Service Bill, 1997, which is currently before the Dáil provides for the establishment of an independent Courts Service with financial and management autonomy. The new service will provide a management structure for the courts capable of developing a court system capable of meeting the needs of modern society. Use of information technology which must form part of any modern court service is to be expanded and developed in the courts as part of the programme to expand the use of information technology in the criminal justice system as a whole. An increased allocation of £2.5 million has been included in the courts vote for this purpose this year.
