Bernard Durkan
Question:1049. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of positions to be filled on the benches of District, Circuit and High Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18321/23]
View answerTuesday, 18 April 2023
Questions (1049)
Written answers
It is a priority for my Department to ensure that the courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively for citizens in their access to justice. The Government endeavours to fill judicial vacancies at the earliest opportunity, and a number of such vacancies have been filled recently.
The number of positions to be filled in each jurisdiction is provided in the table below. The numbers provided include the High Court, the Circuit Court and District Court.
|
Court |
Current Vacancies as of 14/04/2023 |
|
High Court |
0 |
|
Circuit Court |
1 |
|
District Court |
1 |
Most recently, on 7 March 2023 the Government made three nominations to the Circuit Court. Two of those Judges were appointed on 11 April 2023. I wish to inform the Deputy that arrangements are being made for the final appointment by the President to the Circuit Court in the coming weeks.
There is currently one vacancy in the District Court and I intend to have this vacancy filled as soon as practicable.
The final report of the Judicial Planning Working Group was noted by Government on 21 February and highlights the importance of developing a structured system for planning and deploying judicial resources which recognises organisational interdependencies and a whole of system approach. The recommendations have been welcomed in all quarters.
The recommendations relate to five key areas; additional judicial resources, measures to promote the effective use and management of judicial resources, enhanced data collection and management, measures to improve services to Court users and judicial skills and training.
Additionally, in February, I secured Government approval to dramatically increase the number of judges to facilitate greater access to justice, support the Government’s priorities to establish a Planning and Environmental Court and dedicated Family Courts, and to clear COVID backlogs. My intention is to appoint an initial tranche of 24 additional judges in 2023, with a further 20 additional judges following the implementation of reforms and efficiencies. Three of these additional judicial positions were created under the Assisted Decision-Making Act 2022, with two already filled and the third judge nominated.
Legislation is currently making its way through the Oireachtas to allow for this substantial increase in judge numbers. The Courts Bill 2023 is a short and technical Bill, amending existing legislation for increasing the statutory maximum prescribed in respect of the number of judges of the District, Circuit and High courts and of the Court of Appeal. Nominations for these newly created judicial vacancies will be brought forward in due course.