Vol. 398 No. 4
115 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice if he will make some form of preparation available to newly appointed members of the Judiciary in their criminal law responsibilities; if current members of the Judiciary should be offered seminars on specialist topics on emerging concerns of the criminal justice system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The scope for the exercise by me of initiatives of the type suggested is limited, having regard to the constitutional independence of the Judiciary. District justices hold regular statutory meetings to discuss topics relevant to their work and I understand that judges of the higher courts also meet regularly for the same purpose. The attendance of judges at meetings abroad, to discuss developments in the judicial sphere, is also facilitated. I am willing to consider any suggestions that the Judiciary may have as to how I might assist further in this process.
