Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 2

Written Answers. - Appointment of Additional Judges.

Godfrey Timmins

Ceist:

35 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice if she has satisfied herself that there will be sufficient judges available to deal with divorce cases within a reasonable period once the proposed legislation is in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12843/96]

Liam Fitzgerald

Ceist:

44 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice the additional court staff, if any, she intends to appoint; if so, when, with a view to assisting the appointment of additional judges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12891/96]

Michael Woods

Ceist:

77 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Justice when she proposes to appoint additional judges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12920/96]

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

143 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice her views on recent concerns that due to long delays in the courts, the lapse of time can defeat the interests of justice to the extent that in certain circumstances, the courts will prevent cases proceeding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12980/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 44, 77 and 143 together. The Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995, provides 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.

Long delays in the hearing of cases can lead to injustices and this is why I am taking all possible steps to ensure the courts have the resources they require to address this problem. With regard to the courts preventing cases proceeding in certain circumstances because of delays, the position is that the conduct of and decision in any particular court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge who is independent in the exercise of his or her judicial functions.

It is not possible at this time to say if further additional judges would be required following the introduction of legislation permitting divorce. The situation will, however, be kept under review.

My Department has obtained the sanction of the Department of Finance for the appointment of 45.5 additional court support staff to assist in the workload of the additional Judges. To date 14.5 of these staff have been appointed and the remainder will be appointed in conjunction with the remaining judicial appointments.