'Exceptionally high waiting times' for Mayo domestic violence court applications cited

Minister for Justice has been asked whether any review has been conducted into the causes of exceptionally high waiting times for domestic violence applications in a number of District Court offices, including Castlebar, Naas, Sligo, and Galway.

The serious matter has been raised in Dáil Éireann by Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn.

In response, Minister O'Callaghan outlined: "Management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and the Constitution.

"Logistical and operational matters are matters for the Courts Service.

"Furthermore, the scheduling of court cases and the allocation of court business is a matter for the Presidents of the Courts and the presiding judges who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions."

Deputy O'Flynn further asked the minister whether additional sitting days, judicial resources or administrative staffing have been allocated since 2024 to District Court offices experiencing extended waiting times for domestic violence applications.

In his reply, the minister said it is his priority to ensure that the courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively.

He outlined: "In relation to steps taken to increase the number of judges, to ensure that our judiciary is resourced appropriately, 24 additional judges were appointed in 2023 on foot of the Judicial Planning Working Group report.

"On December 10 2025, the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 was signed into law by the President, and the relevant provisions to allow for the recruitment of additional judges were commenced on 30 January 2026.

"The Act provides for the increase in the number of judges in each Court jurisdiction by a further 21 posts.

"Taken together, these two sets of appointments represent an increase of approximately 25% in the number of judges in Ireland.

"I am further informed by the Courts Service that waiting times for domestic violence applications (and all other District Court business) are kept under review by the President of the District Court as part of the ongoing management of court business.

"The Courts Service works closely with the Judiciary to support the efficient operation of the courts and to minimise delays, including facilitating additional sittings where this is possible within available resources.

Deputy O'Flynn also asked whether the minister's department has assessed whether delays in substantive domestic violence proceedings may increase risks to applicants, including repeat incidents or breaches requiring Garda intervention.

The minister responded: "Where breaches of court orders or alleged criminal offences arise, these are matters for investigation by An Garda Síochána, who are operationally independent in the exercise of their functions.

"My department has not conducted a specific review of the nature outlined by the deputy.

"I am, however, conscious of the impact that delays in courts proceedings can have on those involved in domestic violence cases, which can prolong uncertainty for applicants and can be distressing for all parties concerned.

"Supporting and protecting victims is a key priority for my department. This commitment is underpinned by the Government’s Zero Tolerance Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, which sets out a comprehensive whole of Government approach to preventing DSGBV, supporting victims, and strengthening the criminal justice response.

"I am also committed to ensuring the effective operation of the family justice system.

"On 22 April 2026, I published the Implementation Plan for the Family Courts Act 2024.

"The plan will result in some of the most significant reforms of the family justice system in the history of the state. The Family Courts Act 2024 contains a number of provisions designed to make the family court process a more efficient, accessible and user focused system, including through improved case management and measures designed to reduce delays.

The ongoing Modernisation Programme for the Courts Service, including the digitalisation of procedures, will also assist in improving the efficiency and timeliness of processing cases," the minister added.