Organisation information
Judicial Planning Working Group
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to “Establish a working group to consider the number of and type of judges required to ensure the efficient administration of justice over the next five years." This commitment is also included in the Justice Plan 2021.
At its meeting on 20 April 2021, the Government noted that a working group will be convened shortly with an independent Chair and comprising representatives of relevant stakeholders including Government Departments and those with expertise of court and judicial matters.
The Group is to consult with experts and stakeholders, including the Judiciary, in the course of its work as required and appropriate. The Group will also have regard to new evidence commissioned from the OECD to inform the process.
The Group is to provide a report to the Minister for Justice within 12 months of its establishment.
In acknowledgement of the increased pressure on the courts in the past year, and following Government approval on 20 April 2021, the number of ordinary judges in the High Court is being increased by 5 to cover immediate areas of need. The relevant amendment will be included in the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is currently at advanced stages of preparation.