Vol. 504 No. 2
65 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation to change the system of appointment for county registrars in view of the recommendations made in his Department's report on the early release of Mr. Philip Sheedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11539/99]
Under section 35 (2) of the Court Officers Act, 1926 county registrars are appointed by, and hold office, at the pleasure of the Government.
I assume the Deputy is aware that my Department's report on the early release from prison of Philip Sheedy recommended that all future appointments to the position of county registrar should be made through open public competition under the supervision of the Civil Service Commission. The report reasoned that this should be the point of departure for a review of the role of county registrars and clarification of the lines of accountability as regards the various functions of that office. This recommendation is currently under consideration.
At the moment, there are two vacancies for county registrars – one in Dublin and one in Carlow. The Government has decided to proceed immediately with filling these vacancies under an open competition arrangement.
Applications for these posts were invited through the national press last week and they will be assessed by an appointments advisory board who will recommend suitable candidates for appointment by the Government. The board comprises the Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Director General of the Office of the Attorney General, the Chief State Solicitor, the Chief Executive Designate of the Courts Service and the Chair of the Employment Equality Agency. This arrangement does not require a change in the legislation.
