Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a protocol exists or guidelines are in place in respect of the appointment of District Court judges to districts in which they have formerly had an established legal practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26235/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Permanent assignments of District Court judges are made by the Government following consultation with the judge concerned and the President of the District Court. Temporary assignment of judges to a District other than their permanent assignment may be made by the President of the District Court with the judge's consent. In addition, the President of the District Court may temporarily assign 'moveable' District Court judges to any District as the need arises. As a majority of the 64 serving District Court judges were solicitors prior to their appointment, it is not always possible to make assignments to a District other than that in which they were formerly based.