Vol. 527 No. 1
128 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the long delays in bringing trial cases to the criminal courts; the plans he has to alleviate the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27914/00]
I accept that there are delays in the hearing of criminal cases in some courts and I have sought to address this matter by obtaining Government approval for the appointment of an additional High Court judge, who took up office last February. Furthermore, I have ensured that all vacancies which have arisen in that court have been filled. More recently, I have secured Government approval for the appointment of an additional judge of the Circuit Court. I have also obtained Government approval for the drafting of legislation to further increase by one the number of High Court judges.
