Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 6

Written Answers. - Chief Justice Appointment.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

99 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the consultative procedure normally entered into before a person is nominated for appointment by the President as Chief Justice; whether she proposes any new or additional consultations before making a nomination for the filling of the forthcoming vacancy in the post of Chief Justice; and if she intends to seek the opinion of Dáil Éireann or any committee thereof in the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

All judicial appointments including that of Chief Justice are, in accordance with the Constitution, made by the President on the advice of the Government.

The Constitution also provides that the terms of the appointment of judges shall be regulated by legislation. The relevant legislation does not provide for consultation with any agency to assess candidates for appointment to the position of Chief Justice and I have no proposals at present for the introduction of amending legislation which would provide for such consultative process.