asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that arrears of work have accumulated in court offices all over the country owing to the large increase in the volume of work going through these offices because of recent legislation; that these offices are very much understaffed; and that the existing staff are working long hours of extra time both at night and on Saturdays, to the detriment of their health; and if he will take steps to have the staff of these offices increased.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Staff of Court Offices.
101.
I assume that the question is directed to District Court offices. While I am aware that there has been an increase in District Court business during recent years, I cannot accept that this has given rise to arrears of the order suggested or to the working by the staffs of extra time over prolonged periods. The staffing of each office is kept under review in my Department and additional assistance is provided in offices where this is deemed to be warranted by the growth in business. In addition, the systems of work in the offices are constantly under examination with a view to achieving increased efficiency.
Is the Minister not aware that some of those people have told me that those arrears are there? The District Court is different.
I will have another look at the matter.