Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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161. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of positions to be filled on the benches of District, Circuit and High Courts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44440/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It is a priority for my Department to ensure that the courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively for citizens in their access to justice. The Government endeavours to fill judicial vacancies at the earliest opportunity, and some positions are due to be filled shortly.

Earlier this year, following the publication in February of the final report of the Judicial Planning Working Group, the Government committed to an historic increase of the number of judges to facilitate greater access to justice. The final Report recommended that 44 additional judges be appointed in two phases.

A first tranche of 24 additional judges were approved by Government on 21 February and the legislative provisions for judicial posts were increased to 198 under the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022 and the Courts Act 2023 to include the 24 additional posts.

There are four vacancies to be filled in the High Court and two in the Circuit Court. There are no vacancies in the District Court.