Vol. 498 No. 6
159 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason staff at the ward of courts office have not been replaced; the number of cases waiting to be cleared; when the backlog will be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28248/98]
There are three vacancies in this office. Management has notified staff interests there of its intention to fill the posts. It is hoped that consultations with the unions concerned about the promotion process involved will be finalised shortly so that the appointments can be finalised.
As to the number of cases waiting to be cleared, there are 166 applications for dismissal from wardship, in respect of wards who have died. In addition, a historic staff shortage which long predates my period in office has adversely affected the general administration of the office. My Department is holding consultations with the Department of Finance with a view to ensuring appropriate staffing levels for this office. While I am not in a position at this stage to indicate precisely when the backlog will be cleared, everything possible is being done to rectify matters.
