Austin Deasy
Ceist:22 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice when she will be in a position to appoint additional judges to the District and Circuit Courts; the number involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16507/95]
Written Answers. - Judicial Appointments.
As a result of the serious level of delays in the courts the programme for government A Government of Renewal gave a commitment to review the provisions of the Courts and Court Officers Bill, 1994 to ensure that measures will adequately address the need to tackle the backlog of cases to be heard in all courts. This review was completed last June and I obtained Government approval to prepare a Bill which would include provisions to increase the number of judges of the Supreme, High, Circuit and District Courts by three, two, seven and five respectively. The drafting of this Bill is currently being finalised in my Department and I expect to introduce it very shortly. When this Bill has been enacted I will be in a position to appoint these additional judges.