Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

58. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of instances in each of the past three years of criminal cases involving child sexual abuse being delayed due to inefficient court resources such as the availability of a judge; the steps she is taking to reduce such delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39270/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of information on the courts system.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the Courts Service is satisfied that no such criminal cases have been delayed due to the absence of appropriate support or facilities by the Courts Service. The Courts Service works with the Presidents of the Courts and the judiciary to support the efficient disposal of court cases and to ensure that waiting times are kept to a minimum and where specific issues are identified, resources are targeted at areas of greatest need. However, the allocation of judicial resources and the scheduling of court cases is a matter for the Presidents of the Courts and the judiciary who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.