Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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25. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been brought to the significant delays in the Donegal court system; if plans have been made to address this problem; if he has considered appointing an additional judge for Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7729/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be 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. Furthermore, the scheduling of individual court cases and the allocation of court business are entirely matters for the Presidents of the Courts and the presiding judges who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.

It is my priority, as Minister, to ensure that the courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively. This is central to ensuring there is access to justice. The Government endeavours to fill judicial vacancies at the earliest opportunity.

In order to assist the Deputy, I have made enquiries and am informed by the Courts Service that the latest available waiting times for Donegal Town District Court and Letterkenny District Court are less than 8 weeks. It is important to note that domestic violence applications, urgent interim applications are dealt with immediately i.e., on next sitting day.

I can further advise that the Judicial Planning Working Group, established by Minister McEntee in 2021 as part of the Programme for Government and Justice Plan 2021, has submitted its final report to Minister Harris for consideration. The Group’s recommendations, which I will shortly bring to Government, will inform assessment of any future judicial resourcing needs, against the backdrop of modernisation of the work of the courts generally.