Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if training or guidance is provided for Judges in dealing with victims in the course of the criminal justice process, particularly with respect to the victims of sexual offences. [11880/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy may be aware, the Committee for Judicial Studies has responsibility for the ongoing training of the Judiciary. My function as Minister under the Courts and Courts Officers Act 1995 is, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to provide funds for the training and education of judges.

I am informed that the Committee for Judicial Studies organises conferences, seminars and lectures on legal subjects for members of the judiciary. The object is to enhance knowledge and understanding of law and legal principles among judges with particular regard to new developments in the law, including legislation. Seminars on discrete topics may also be organised for each jurisdiction. On occasion, groups of judges meet to discuss current legal issues. The Committee also nominates judges to attend international conferences on legal topics where relevant. I understand that over recent years judges have participated in seminars on a range of subjects related to sexual crime including the needs of victims.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has given consideration to putting the Court of Criminal Appeal on a more permanent footing to allow for greater clarity in sentencing policy. [11881/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The allocation of the business of the courts, scheduling of court cases and the management of court lists are matters for the judiciary and the Presidents of the courts. The Deputy will be aware that judges are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. The Deputy may be aware that I recently announced the Government's intention to establish a permanent Court of Appeal with both criminal and civil jurisdiction. This will incorporate the existing Court of Criminal Appeal. The Government is committed to the holding of a Constitutional referendum on Article 34 which is necessary to achieve this and work has commenced in my Department in this regard. It is intended that the referendum will take place, together with at least one other referendum, in the autumn.