Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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42. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of judicial vacancies that exist currently in each of the courts; the timescale envisaged to fill these vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29782/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently 5 judicial vacancies in the Courts, as follows:

*A Judge has been nominated by the Government to fill this vacancy and it is expected that her appointment will take place this month.

The 2016 Programme for Government commits to significant reforms in the judicial appointments process and my Department has been preparing the necessary measures. In respect of existing and future vacancies in the Courts, the requirements of the administration of justice will be the overriding priority for the Government over the period ahead as the necessary reforms are brought forward as expeditiously as is practicable.