Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020
310. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if and the number of times she discussed or communicated with the current Taoiseach, after his appointment to that office, the filling of the Supreme Court vacancy occasioned by the retirement of a person (details supplied) and the interest of the former Attorney General in appointment to that position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40874/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have given a full account of all matters related to the filling of the Supreme Court vacancy during the Statements and Questions and Answers on Judicial Appointments held in the Dáil on 26 November last.
During the debate, I informed the House, that in line with the Cabinet handbook, between 11 and 14 July I informed the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Attorney General of my intention to propose Séamus Woulfe SC for the position, following which I brought a memorandum for the consideration of the Government on 15 July, recommending a name to Cabinet for appointment by the President. At this remove, I cannot pinpoint the precise date between 11 and 14 July on which various conversations took place, and as such I am providing a date range in order to be helpful to the Deputy.
In this case, the recommendation was in line with the recommendation of JAAB, which is chaired by the Chief Justice. The process through which JAAB recommends applicants for consideration by the Government is set out in Part IV of the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995, as amended.
