35 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice if she has satisfied herself that there will be sufficient judges available to deal with divorce cases within a reasonable period once the proposed legislation is in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12843/96]

44 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice the additional court staff, if any, she intends to appoint; if so, when, with a view to assisting the appointment of additional judges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12891/96]

77 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Justice when she proposes to appoint additional judges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12920/96]

143 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice her views on recent concerns that due to long delays in the courts, the lapse of time can defeat the interests of justice to the extent that in certain circumstances, the courts will prevent cases proceeding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12980/96]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 44, 77 and 143 together. The Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995, provides for an increase in the maximum number of judges who may be appointed to the courts. I obtained Government approval for the appointment of 15 additional judges: three Supreme Court Judges; two High Court Judges; seven Circuit Court Judges and three District Court Judges. Three judges were appointed to the Supreme Court on 15 April 1996 and three judges were appointed to the resulting vacancies in the High Court on the same date. The remaining additional appointments will be made as soon as possible.

While the assignment of judges to particular areas of work such as family law is entirely a matter for the president of the relevant court, I am confident that the appointment of these additional judges will provide the courts with the resources necessary to deal effectively with existing delays and arrears, including family law cases, and assist in the prompt disposal of cases in the future.