merrion street

The Minister for Justice Equality and Defence Alan Shatter TD has welcomed

the announcement by the Chief Justice that the Supreme Court and Court of

Criminal Appeal will sit during September.

The Minister said: "I warmly welcome this initiative on the part of the

Chief Justice and President of the High Court to provide for sittings in

September. The lengthy waiting periods being experienced by persons who are

awaiting appeals before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal has been of

concern and contributed to the Governments recent decisions to appoint

additional Supreme Court judges and propose a Constitutional Amendment to

provide for a permanent Court of Appeal. This measure on the part of the

judiciary will also alleviate the delays and help to ensure that citizens'

right of access to justice is upheld."