John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the delays in the administration of civil proceedings in the Kilkenny District Court Office; if he has been advised by the Court Services of the reason for such delays; if he will consult with those concerned and provide staff or resources as needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19702/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service. The Deputy will appreciate that the Courts Service, in common with all other public sector organisations, is obliged to ensure that resources are deployed to best effect in the current challenging economic climate and reductions in staff numbers. In that context the Courts Service has to prioritise the delivery of front line court services, in particular supporting court sittings, while at the same time providing the best possible services to court users.

In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the existing vacancy, coupled with other staff absences, has resulted in some delays in dealing with civil proceedings in the District Court office. The Service has indicated that measures are now being put in place to seek to address the delays and it is anticipated that all of the arrears in civil proceedings in that office will be cleared in the coming weeks.