Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2012
556 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the delays faced by persons who are looking for a sitting of the Circuit Court in relation to family law proceedings in Bray, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10736/12]
View answerThe allocation of the business of the courts, scheduling of court cases and the management of court lists are matters for the judiciary and in particular the Presidents of the courts and it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment in relation to this matter. The Deputy will be aware that judges are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the waiting times for family law cases in the Circuit Court in Bray Co Wicklow are between eight and nine months. The Deputy will appreciate that all court cases are listed in such a way as to make optimum use of court time. I am informed, for example, that a presiding Judge may give priority to criminal matters where defendants may be in custody particularly in circumstances where there may be longer waiting times for criminal trials.
It should be noted there are currently five vacancies on the Circuit Court while two additional vacancies will occur on 29 February, and three Circuit Court judges are assigned to the Mahon Tribunal. I am currently awaiting recommendations from the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board in respect of the current vacancies. Following receipt of those recommendations, the Government will make nominations to fill the vacancies as soon as possible which will have a substantial impact on court waiting times.
