Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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. However, I wish to assure the Deputy that any County Registrar vacancy which has arisen in recent years has been replaced.

The Courts Service Act 1998 sets out the nature of the relationship between the Courts Service and the County Registrar. The post of County Registrar is a statutory officer appointed by the Government, with a number of different roles, including under-sheriff and returning officer functions. When such posts become vacant, arrangements are made with the Courts Service and the Public Appointments Service to run an open recruitment competition to identify suitable persons for recommendation to Government for appointment.

Having enquired into the matter, I can confirm that a competition has been run through the Public Appointments Service to fill this vacancy. This competition is now complete and the usual clearance procedures are ongoing with a view to making an appointment as soon as possible.