Chief justice calls for reform of appeals

Serious delays in the appeal courts system may be damaging to society and the economy, the country’s most senior judge has warned.

Chief Justice Susan Denham said cases are taking more than four years to resolve and are impacting on Ireland’s international obligations. However, she insisted that any changes planned for the courts must not impinge on the independence of the judiciary.

“The independence of the judiciary is at the core of a democratic state,” she said.