Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2016
135. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies that exist at present on the District Court, the Circuit Court, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and any courts established under the Treaty of the European Union to which Ireland is required to nominate candidates for appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34457/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently 5 judicial vacancies in the Courts, as follows:
|
Court |
Number of vacancies |
|
Supreme Court |
1 |
|
Court of Appeal |
0 |
|
High Court |
0 |
|
Circuit Court |
3 |
|
District Court |
1 |
In respect of existing and future vacancies in the Courts, the requirements of the administration of justice will be the overriding priority for the Government over the period ahead as the necessary reforms in regard to the judicial appointments process are brought forward as expeditiously as is practicable.
In relation to Courts established under the Treaty of the European Union, in accordance with Regulation 2015/2422 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2015, Ireland is to nominate a second judge to General Court of the European Union. An independent group was established to assist in identifying candidates with the relevant qualifications; to assess their suitability and to recommend suitable candidates for nomination by the Government in accordance with Article 254 of the Treaty on the Functioning of EU. The closing date for receipt of completed applications, which were sought by public advertisement, was Monday 14 November. The work of the independent group is still ongoing. There is currently no other vacancy for an Irish Judge in the EU Courts of Justice.
