James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the case put forward by the Judiciary for an increased number of judges. That is why the judicial planning working group has been put together. We are looking forward to the report, which is being compiled independently by Ms Brigid McManus. This is in line with the programme for Government. We need to see not just how many judges are needed, but where they are needed at the various levels of our court system - District Court, Circuit Court and High Court - and what types of judge we need. For example, do we need more specialist judges for certain areas? We must assess these questions so that we can have an efficient and effective administration of justice. We have heard the call for additional judges but, to put it bluntly, judges are not cheap. They cost an awful lot of money. However, our democracy is dependent on having an effective judicial system that people believe in. We must have the necessary number of judges but we must ensure they are the right judges operating at the right levels and in the right places. We look forward to the report. It is expected to be ready next spring. Once it is to hand, we will look to see how we go about implementing it.

The majority of the underspend in the coroner service relates to the Stardust inquiry. It was expected to start this year but, for various reasons, it has not. That money is expected to be spent in 2022 as the service carries out work in respect of the inquiry.