Minister for Justice Michael McDowell insisted last night that he had never criticised the judiciary. He said he had been occasionally represented in the newspapers as attacking the judiciary.
"I have never done that and I would never consider doing that. I have the height of respect for our judges, collectively and individually, and I believe that they are independent officers under the Constitution.
"It would be very unbecoming for a minister of state to attack them, either collectively or individually."
He said that in the past, he had referred to particular aspects of sentencing policy, but always in terms which he considered measured and respectful of the judiciary. "And, likewise, in relation to bail."
Introducing the Courts and Court Officers (Amendment) Bill, Mr McDowell said it provided for an increase of four judges, from 33 to 37 in the Circuit Court, and an increase of six, from 54 to 60, in the District Court. "I am promoting the legislation because I believe that the appointment of additional judges is required to deal with delays and, generally, speed up the judicial process.
"I am also taking this measure to strengthen the criminal justice system in the context of a package of measures now in train to deal with serious crime." He added that he had taken into account a number of factors in coming to the decision.
The president of the High Court wished to appoint additional judges to minimise waiting periods in the Central Criminal Court and also to speed up judicial review cases, particularly those arising from major infrastructural projects.
In the case of the Circuit Court, cases were becoming more complex and, as a consequence, lengthier.
The workload of the District Court, he said, was also becoming more complex and lengthy. In particular, additional judges were required in order to fully implement the provisions of the Children Act 2001.
Mr McDowell said the population of the State was increasing. Garda numbers were at an all-time high and the State was living through an unprecedented economic boom. All of this had an impact on the courts.
The Minister said a new criminal courts complex in Dublin, located on a State-owned site in Parkgate Street, adjacent to Heuston train station, was due to be completed by 2009.
