John Ellis
Ceist:193 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Justice if the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board has any proposals for newly appointed judges to commence courses or attend training sessions before taking up their appointments. [20402/96]
Written Answers. - Training of Judges.
The Judicial Appointments Advisory Board has no function with regard to judicial training. The board was established under the Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995 to advise the Government on the suitability of persons for judicial office. A person wishing to be considered by the board in this regard must indicate to the board his or her agreement, if appointed to judicial office, to take such course or courses of training or education or both as may be required by the Chief Justice or President of the court to which that person is appointed.
The constitutional independence of the Judiciary excludes any action by me which could be interpreted as direct interference in the exercise of their judicial functions, including the imposition of a training or briefing programme on them. Initiatives with regard to training of the Judiciary, therefore, are a matter entirely for the courts. The Chief Justice has recently established the Judicial Training Institute and the provision of training for recently appointed judges will be among the matters for consideration by this body.
I have always assisted with initiatives which the Judiciary have brought forward with regard to training and funds have always been made available to judges at all levels to enable them to attend training seminars and conferences both at home and abroad. The Courts and Court Officers Act, 1995 specifically provides that I may with the consent of the Minister for Finance provide funds for the training and education of judges and the establishment of the Judicial Training Institute will ensure that the funds available are used in the most effective way possible.