Vol. 466 No. 4
209 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to appoint additional judges for the family law courts in view of the long delays being experienced by couples seeking the services of the courts; and if so, the number of judges she intends to appoint following legislation permitting divorce. [11702/96]
With regard to existing delays in the courts generally, the Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995 provided for an increase in the maximum number of judges who may be appointed to the courts. I obtained Government approval for the appointment of 15 additional judges: three Supreme Court judges; two High Court judges, seven Circuit Court judges and three District Court judges. Three judges were appointed to the Supreme Court on 15 April 1996 and three judges were appointed to the resulting vacancies in the High Court on the same date. The remaining additional appointments will be made as soon as possible.
While the assignment of judges to particular areas of work such as family law is entirely a matter for the President of the relevant court, I am confident that the appointment of these additional judges will provide the courts with the resources necessary to deal effectively with existing delays and arrears, including family law cases, and assist in the prompt disposal of cases in the future.
It is not possible at this time to say if further additional judges would be required in the future following the introduction of legislation permitting divorce. The situation will, however, be kept under review.
