asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the staff shortages in various Circuit Court offices throughout the country, the number of staff who have retired from Circuit Court offices since 1980, the numbers who replaced them, if he is aware that Circuit Court decisions are not being implemented as a result of these staff shortages, if he will now ensure that adequate staff are available to these offices to ensure implementation of court decisions, and if he will make a statement on the situation.
Written Answers. - Circuit Court Staff.
393.
Limerick East): The total number of staff in Circuit Court offices who have retired or resigned since 1 January 1980 is 79. Of these 63 have been replaced to date. Fifteen posts cannot be filled under the terms of the Government's policy limiting staff numbers in the Civil Service.
The deployment of staff in a Circuit Court office is a matter for the county registrar concerned. I am informed that first priority is given to servicing the sittings of the court and, after that, recording the decisions reached. I am not aware that staff shortages have resulted in any serious delays in the working of the courts in so far as these functions are concerned.
I am aware, however, that there are delays in some offices in the enforcement of execution orders and of revenue certificates. As a contribution to the solution of this problem sanction has been obtained on an exceptional basis for the filling of six court messenger posts. Three of these became vacant as a result of retirements or resignations and are posts which, in the normal way, could not be filled. The other three are new posts. Of the six, three have already been filled and arrangements are in hand for the filling of three more. I am keeping the position under review.