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Judicial Council Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 November 2013

Thursday, 28 November 2013

Questions (121)

Finian McGrath

Question:

121. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the publication of the proposed Judicial Council Bill. [51188/13]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government undertakes to “legislate to establish a Judicial Council, with lay representation, to provide an effective mechanism for dealing with complaints against judges” and this commitment is being given expression in the form of the proposed Judicial Council Bill. As well as providing for the establishment of a Judicial Council and Board that will promote excellence and high standards of conduct by judges, the proposed Bill is aimed at providing a means of investigating allegations of judicial misconduct supported by the establishment of a Judicial Conduct Committee which will have lay representation. Having considered the Bill in light of the considered views of the judiciary and in relation to current Government policy, I am happy to confirm that work on the drafting of the new Bill continues in conjunction with the Offices of the Attorney General and of Parliamentary Counsel. While it had been hoped to publish the Bill this year, in light of the Government’s heavy legislative programme I would now expect this to take place in the New Year.

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