Vol. 572 No. 4
120 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent report of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, which showed a significant decline in the number of persons applying for judicial appointments; if it is intended to act on the recommendation in the report that people being appointed as judges be required to undergo medical tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23390/03]
I welcome the recent publication of the 2002 annual report of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board. The report is a detailed and informative record of the procedures involved in the filling of judicial vacancies. In this regard, I note that, in the case of vacancies in the High Court and the Supreme Court, the report states that the number of applicants has, on occasions, been relatively small. Nonetheless, no difficulties have been experienced in filling such vacancies to date. I will keep the matter under review. With regard to the recommendation concerning medical examinations, the matter is currently receiving attention within my Department.
Questions Nos. 121 and 122 answered with Question No. 65.
