Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 4

Written Answers. - Judicial Appointments.

Alan Shatter

Question:

170 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in implementing the recommendations of the report of the working group on qualifications for appointment as judges of the High and Supreme Courts; the number of appointments made to these courts since he received the report; the number of vacancies in the courts and the anticipated number of vacancies based on the date of retirement of judges currently sitting during the course of the next 12 months; when he will introduce and enact the appropriate legislation to give effect to the report's recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22775/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

In so far as implementation of the report of the working group on qualifications for appointment as judges of the High and Supreme Court is concerned, the Government's intention is to publish the Courts Bill before the next Dáil session.

Since I received the report, one appointment has been made to the Supreme Court and three to the High Court.

There are currently no vacancies on the Supreme Court bench. The Government on 2 November 1999 approved two nominations for appointments by the President to fill two vacancies in the High Court. These appointments will be made in the coming weeks leaving no further vacancies in the High Court. Four vacancies in the Supreme Court and one vacancy in the High Court will arise in the next 12 months due to retirements.