Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 September 2025
315. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of prisoners waiting for a court date to determine their fitness for trial under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50890/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. As such, it would be inappropriate for me, as Minister, to comment on any category of cases or the management of information relating to same.
To be of assistance I have had enquires made with the Courts Service and am informed that where a matter is adjourned for hearing of a determination of fitness for trial, the matter is recorded on the case management system as an adjournment for hearing/trial. It is therefore not possible to distinguish between this type of hearing and other hearings. As a result, it is not possible for the Courts Service to provide a report on the number of persons awaiting a court date for determination of fitness for trial.
