Bernard Durkan
Question:216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of positions to be filled on the benches of the District, Circuit and High courts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8596/24]
View answerThursday, 22 February 2024
Questions (216)
Written answers
It is a priority for my Department to ensure that the courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively. The Government endeavours to fill judicial vacancies at the earliest opportunity to ensure access to justice for citizens.
As of 20 February 2024, there are two vacancies to be filled in the Circuit Court and work is under way to fill these vacancies as soon as possible. There are no vacancies in the District Court or High Court.
Following the publication in February 2023 of the final report of the Judicial Planning Working Group, the Government committed to an historic increase of the number of judges to facilitate greater access to justice. The final Report recommended that 44 additional judges be appointed in two phases.
A first tranche of 24 additional judges were approved by Government on 21 February 2023 and the legislative provisions for judicial posts were increased to a maximum of 198 under the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022 and the Courts Act 2023 to allow for the 24 additional posts. The 24 additional judges included 8 extra judges for the District Court, 8 for the Circuit Court, 6 for the High Court and 2 for the Court of Appeal. All of these 24 additional positions have been filled in 2023.