First annual study on court efficiency to take place next year

Ms Fitzgerald said the Department of Justice is “currently examining options to develop the most effective approach to implementing this commitment”.

She also outlined a range of measures planned by the Government in order to improve the efficiency of the courts.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “A Family Law and Children Court complex is being developed which will include a new Supreme Court facility and accommodation for court offices.

“The project will allow for the much needed replacement of facilities currently in Dolphin House, Phoenix House, Áras Uí Dhálaigh and the Children Court in a single location with custom-built facilities and will also provide appropriate accommodation for the Supreme Court.

“I also intend to bring forward legislative proposals during 2017, in the form of a Civil Law and Courts (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which among other things will make provision for electronic case filing in the courts.

“Finally, a Criminal Procedure Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.

“The primary aim of the Bill is to reduce delays and increase efficiency and fairness in the criminal trial process. The Bill will in particular provide for new Preliminary Trial Hearings to allow for procedural arguments which arise during trials at present to be dealt with before a jury is empanelled, thereby saving time and allowing juries to focus on the facts of the case. My officials are working closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to progress the Bill.”

“Against the overall backdrop of these and other developments, and bearing in mind the considerable number of legislative priorities already in train, including many relating to the courts”, Ms Fitzgerald said she would look to deliver on the annual study in 2017.