Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2015
325. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the recommendations of the Denham report on judicial appointments and her plans to end the political appointment of judges. [45776/15]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that my Department is currently conducting a wide-ranging review of all matters concerned with the system of judicial appointments. Careful and comprehensive research and consultation are required to develop and reform this very important area of the administration of justice. This is particularly so, given the complexity and extent of existing legislative provisions and the very wide range of issues that are for consideration across many aspects of the appointments process including the appropriate qualifications and eligibility criteria.
A consultations process relating to the system of judicial appointments was conducted in early 2014 with the intention of instituting reforms to enhance the current system. It was considered that, while the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board process was a model of best practice in its day, almost 20 years from its establishment it was worthwhile to review the operation of the entire judicial appointments system to ensure it reflects current best practice.
There was a significant response to the call for submissions which included a submission by the Judicial Appointments Review Committee which is chaired by the Chief Justice.
Arising from the consultations process, draft legislative provisions to reform and update judicial appointment procedures are being prepared by my Department and I anticipate that these will be brought forward early in 2016.
