Michael McGrath
Ceist:143. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects the judicial council Bill to be progressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6021/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 February 2017
Ceisteanna (143)
Freagraí scríofa
The Legislation Programme which was published recently confirms that the publication of the Judicial Council Bill is a priority for Government and, accordingly, its publication is foreseen before the end of this session. My objective is to publish the Bill as quickly as possible and I would hope that it can be published within the next three months.
There is intensive and ongoing work in relation to the drafting of the Bill involving my Department, the Office of the Attorney General, the Judiciary and the Courts Service. I think it fair to say that this work is now drawing towards a close and I look forward to the Bill being debated in this House at an early date.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Bill, when published, will provide for the establishment of a Judicial Council and Board of that Council. It will also provide for the establishment of a Judicial Conduct Committee, the membership of which will include lay persons, to facilitate the investigation of allegations of judicial misconduct. That Committee will also have a role in preparing guidelines concerning judicial conduct and ethics. Matters relating to the training of judges will also be addressed as well as matters relating to the dissemination of sentencing information.