Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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568. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies in the Judiciary; when she intends to fill these posts; when judges will be appointed to the court of civil appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25595/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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There is currently one vacancy on the Supreme Court; a further vacancy will arise on the High Court this week with the retirement of a High Court Judge. These vacancies will be filled as soon as possible. There are currently no vacancies in the Circuit Court or the District Court.

The Government approved the drafting of the Court of Appeal Bill as a matter of priority and also agreed to the publication of the General Scheme of the Bill. The intention is that the Bill will be enacted in good time to enable the new Court to be operational by the autumn.

The Implementation Bill will deal with many practical issues in regard to the new Court of Appeal, such as the formal establishment and membership of the Court, the appointment of judges, the organisation of the Court, and provision for the office of Registrar of the Court, among other issues. The current assessment is that the new Court will require 10 judges (9 ordinary and a President). Appointments to the Court of Appeal will be made in accordance with the standard procedures for appointment as a judge.