The Cabinet has decided to re-assign a number of judges to the Circuit Court.

Three of the six judges of the so-called specialised courts will fill three vacancies currently in the Circuit Court.

The Government says the small workload of insolvency and repossession cases means these judges can be re-assigned.

The Cabinet also agreed to begin the process of filling four vacancies at district court level.

Transport Minister Shane Ross agreed to the move after a commitment that the heads of bill for new laws on judicial appointments will be published next week with the full legislation before the end of January.