Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 192: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an adequate number of judges have been appointed to deal with the current workload; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22235/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since 2002, the total number of ordinary judges of the High, Circuit and District Courts has increased from 101 to 118, an increase of 17 judges. The number of High Court judges has increased from 25 to 31, the number of Circuit Court judges has increased from 25 to 33 and the number of District Court judges has increased from 51 to 54.

I have secured Government approval to further increase the number of District Court judges from 54 to 57 and I propose to make provision for this increase by way of amendment of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006. I am currently considering the issue of additional judicial resources in the other courts. The additional judicial resources provided have greatly strengthened the capacity of the courts system to meet the demands placed on it.