Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Minister and welcome the section which allows for the appointment of the new judges. I understand that six out of the eight positions will be confined to county registrars. What is the overall plan for county registrars? How many are there? If six county registrars apply how many will remain?

County registrars are returning officers and also have other functions. The Minister is right but I think that a lot of them are suitably qualified to fulfil the role of a Circuit Court judge or the equivalent. I also understand that they have other earnings. If six county registrars apply who will do their work if they are appointed? Will they be in a position to do some of their work? The Minister has said that they will be able to do some of their court work. He also outlined what will happen if they do not apply for the posts. If they are appointed who will act as county returning officers? How many are there? How many will remain? What is the overall plan for the county registrars?