The President of the Law Society Maura Derivan has welcomed a commitment made by the Minister for Justice Simon Harris to increase the overall number of judges from 173 to 217, with the appointment of an initial 24 judges expected in the coming weeks.

“We have long called for increased investment in judicial resources, and believe the minister’s commitment to action this will be nothing short of transformative for the justice system in the public interest.

“The Law Society has previously identified a dedicated family courts system as a priority reform in the Family Courts Bill. The interests of families and children must be at the centre of the new family-justice system from the outset."

She said that the appointment of additional judges in the Court of Appeal, and the High, Circuit and District Courts, would improve access to justice for all citizens.

“We have long called for increased investment in judicial resources, and believe the Minister’s commitment to action this will be nothing short of transformative for the justice system in the public interest.

“The Law Society has previously identified a dedicated Family Courts system as a priority reform in the Family Courts Bill. The interests of families and children must be at the centre of the new family justice system from the outset

'Backlogs delay justice'

“We further welcome proposed reforms to improve work practices, data collection, and case management, reflecting the evolving needs of both modern Ireland and the administration of justice,” the president continued.

“Modern and efficient courts are vital to providing access to justice. Delayed court sittings cause real-life consequences, at a time when many are in vulnerable situations. These backlogs delay justice for citizens and justice delayed is justice denied.

“The Law Society is encouraged by Minister Harris’s leadership on this important issue,” she continued. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside the Department of Justice and other stakeholders to build a fit for purpose justice system that ensures access to justice for all,” the president concluded.

Dramatic increase

A dramatic increase in the number of judges from 173 to 217 was earlier approved by Government in order to clear court backlogs.

Justice minister Simon Harris will appoint an initial tranche of 24 new judges in the coming weeks, with a further 20 to follow the implementation of certain reforms and efficiencies.

The District Court will go from 64 to 78 judges, and the Circuit Court from 38 to 52.

The High Court will go from 45 to 57 judges, and the Court of Appeal from 16 to 20.

The Supreme Court remains at ten judges.

Capped

Legislation will be needed to increase the number of judges as it is currently capped in law for each court, and a suitable legislative vehicle will be agreed by the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General.

The move comes in a bid to increase access to justice, and to staff the mooted Planning and Environmental Court and dedicated Family Courts.

The investment is based on the work of the Judicial Planning Work Group, whose report is also published today (24 February).

The group was established in 2021 to bring strategic focus to planning the number and type of judges required to ensure the efficient administration of justice in Ireland over the next five years.

Improved work practices

Further investment in judicial resources beyond the initial tranche of 24 will be dependent on measurable progress in meeting a range of reforms, including improved work practices, data collection and management, among other measures.

Minister Harris said at the Chief Justice’s Access to Justice conference at Dublin Castle that he was committed to improving access to justice for all citizens, and wanted to ensure that courts are properly resourced.

This will deliver on Government priorities, such as the establishment of a Planning and Environmental Court and new Family Courts.

“These will help us speed up the planning process to deliver more homes, and ensure that the interests of families are at the centre of our new Family Courts system.

“We must also drive the modernisation and ‘Digital-First’ agenda across the entire justice sector,” he said.

“Ensuring we have a modern and efficient courts service is vital to this work, and we will work with the Courts Service and the judiciary to deliver a number of important commitments.”

Additional judicial appointments recommended by the JPWG: