Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 1

Written Answers. - Judicial Committee Report.

Derek McDowell

Ceist:

112 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has yet received the report of the judicial committee which is examining judicial conduct and ethics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25758/00]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

117 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether there should be lay participation involved in a judicial committee to be established to deal with the issue of judicial conduct and ethics; the plans there are set up such a committee; and if so when this will be done. [25691/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 117 together.

As I stated in a reply to a parliamentary question on 5 October last, I understand that the committee has almost completed its work and it is hoped that its report will be available before the end of the year.

As regards the question of lay participation in any body which might be established to deal with matters relating to judicial conduct and ethics, I have noted the recommendation in that regard which is contained in the fourth progress report of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution.

However, until the Government receives the report from the judicial committee, it will not be in a position to finalise its consideration of all the constitutional and other issues involved in this important area.