Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 September 2015
94. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding staff resources within the Courts Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32400/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that due to a staff vacancy in the Office of the Examiner and pressure of other work, it has not been possible for the remaining staff to process applications for self-adjudication in bankruptcy matters as well as performing their other duties. The Courts Service has advised that they are currently in the process of filling this vacancy.
It should be noted that High Court bankruptcy sittings are not held during August or September. The Courts Service envisages that the filling of the staff vacancy will facilitate the listing of applications that have been lodged in the Examiner's Office for dates during the coming law term.
