Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2018
245. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of different judges who sat in the family law court in a location (details supplied) since 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51978/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra246. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a sitting judge in family law cases will be provided to a District Court (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51979/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. Furthermore, the scheduling of court cases and the allocation of court business is a matter for the President of the District Court and the presiding judge who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. The temporary assignment of Judges of the District Court is also a matter for the President of that Court.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed my officials that 26 different judges sat in the family law court in the location referenced by the Deputy since 2015. The Courts Service has also informed my officials that the President of the District Court continues to work with the Courts Service to target judicial resources so as to ensure that cases are dealt with as efficiently and effectively as possible and continues to arrange additional sittings where possible within the resources available to her.
