Matt Brennan
Ceist:85 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the delay in the appointment of new judges; and if it is an indication of the merits of the new system of appointment. [7023/96]
Written Answers. - Delay in Appointment of Judges.
I do not accept that there has been any undue delay in the appointment of judges.
The Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995, which provided for the appointment of additional judges and for the establishment of a Judicial Appointments Advisory Board became law on 15 December 1995.
On 30 January, I obtained Government approval for the appointment of 15 additional judges: three Supreme Court Judges, two High Court Judges, seven Circuit Court Judges and three District Court Judges. I subsequently requested the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board to submit to me as soon as possible a list of suitable candidates for appointment as judge to the various courts in accordance with the provisions of the 1995 Act.
Following the receipt of submissions from the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, I brought proposals to Government for the appointment of Judges to the Supreme and High Courts. On 26 March, the Government nominated persons for appointment by the President as Judges of the Supreme and High Courts.
I am currently awaiting further submissions from the board for the appointment of Judges to the High, Circuit and District Courts and I will be bringing proposals to Government in this matter as soon as the submissions are received.