Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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153. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies for judges at District, Circuit or High Court level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48169/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Judicial appointments are made by the President acting on the advice of the Government in accordance with articles 13.9 and 35.1 of the Constitution. Accordingly, it is my intention to bring forward, in the coming weeks, a Memorandum for Government, seeking approval for the filling of the remaining vacancies. Ensuring access to justice, including maintaining adequate judicial resources within the courts, is a priority for Government.

I wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently 7 judicial vacancies between the District Court, Circuit Court and High Court (5 of which were addressed at Cabinet last week) as follows:

At its meeting of 11 November 2019 the Government agreed to nominate five ordinary judges for appointment, by the President of Ireland, to the High Court (to fill 1 vacancy which arose on 17 June 2019 and 4 vacancies which arose on 4 November 2019). Arrangements are currently being made with regard to their appointments.