Nine new judges appointed to clear judiciary system

NINE new judges are to be appointed to clear backlogs in criminal cases and to help curb the use of judicial reviews as a delaying tactic.

The Government gave its approval to the appointments — two will be assigned to the High Court, two to the Circuit Court and the remaining five to the District Court.

Announcing the decision yesterday, Tánaiste Michael McDowell said the judges were being appointed to deal with delays and to generally speed up the judicial process.

One of the new High Court judges is likely to be utilised to minimise waiting periods in the Central Criminal Court. The other is likely to be assigned to preside over judicial review cases.

The minister said yesterday the appointments would allow the fast-tracking of judicial review cases, in particular those relating to major infrastructural projects.

Environment Minister Dick Roche has claimed that judicial review has been used as a delaying tactic by those opposed to major motorway projects.

A Department of Justice spokesman said yesterday that the appointment of the nine new judges had resulted from discussions between the Tánaiste and the President of the Courts Services, Chief Justice John Murray. The spokesman said that the assignment of the judges was a matter for the presidents of the respective courts.

The seven appointments in the Circuit and District Courts have arisen because cases have become more complex and lengthy. New District Judges will also be required to implement the provisions of the Children Act 2001.