Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
176. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has given consideration to putting the Court of Criminal Appeal on a more permanent footing to allow for greater clarity in sentencing policy. [11881/13]
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 the Presidents of the courts. The Deputy will be aware that judges are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. The Deputy may be aware that I recently announced the Government's intention to establish a permanent Court of Appeal with both criminal and civil jurisdiction. This will incorporate the existing Court of Criminal Appeal. The Government is committed to the holding of a Constitutional referendum on Article 34 which is necessary to achieve this and work has commenced in my Department in this regard. It is intended that the referendum will take place, together with at least one other referendum, in the autumn.
