Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate Deputy Costello's comment on the number of judges. In many places throughout the country, the Circuit Court and District Court have long lists. Much of this is down to the fact there are not enough judges to be able to deal with the lists. It is as simple as this. While I appreciate the Minister of State has said a review is ongoing and will report on the exact number we need, any cursory look at the lists throughout the country will tell us we have a problem that we need to resolve. A sense of urgency needs to be brought to it.

Reform and new technology have been mentioned. At the most recent Question Time, I asked about the fact that very few High Court cases take place in Limerick. A member of the Judiciary took issue with me for suggesting it was because the judges are not prepared to travel and pointed back the other way. This is fine. There is a problem if the Courts Service is not making courts and facilities available. In many cases, these facilities are new and very fine elaborate buildings with multiple courtrooms in place but we find only two or three of them are used a week. This needs to be dealt with. I appreciate the wrap on the knuckles I got from the Judiciary and that is fine and appropriate. If I got it wrong in respect of where the blame lies, I certainly did not get it wrong that there is an issue that needs to be dealt with urgently. It is not only Limerick. It is similar in other places but not as severe. Often we look to get more staff but there are efficiencies that can be brought to bear also that do not put an extra burden on the State. It would be welcome if they could happen with urgency.