Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
363 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in fulfilling the promise made in the programme for Government regarding legislation for judicial conduct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29666/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra364 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the general scheme of the proposed legislation for judicial conduct; if the heads of the Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29667/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra365 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the anticipated date of publication of the legislation for judicial conduct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29668/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 363 to 365, inclusive, together.
The programme for Government promised legislation to provide effective remedies for complaints about judicial misbehaviour. The preparation of heads of a judicial council Bill is at an advanced stage in my Department, and I expect to be in a position shortly to bring the heads to Government for approval, with a view to publishing the Bill in the first half of 2005. The legislation will provide, among other things, a process for the investigation of complaints about judicial misbehaviour, including lay participation in such investigations.
It is my intention, as previously stated in answer to a question from the Deputy last July, to bring the heads of the Bill before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights when they have reached a suitable stage so that members of both Houses can have a pre-emptive look at how the legislation is developing. I am confident that the promised legislation will be enacted during the term of office of the present Government; so the question of a delay in fulfilling the promise made in An Agreed Programme for Government does not arise.
