Judicial appointments concerns
Brendan Howlin cited GRECO and judicial criticism of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill. The Minister for Justice said the Bill was progressing, noted amendments already made, and said he would keep reflecting on the concerns.
The Group of States against Corruption, GRECO, which is a Council of Europe body, has published a draft report criticising the changes to the judicial appointments system proposed in the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017.
This follows an extraordinary intervention by the presidents of the five Irish courts. They directly contradict the views of the Government that there has been in-depth consultation with the Judiciary. They say that replacing the Chief Justice as chairperson, reducing the number of judges on the commission, creating a lay majority and having a lay chairperson accountable to Parliament were components which had never been subject to an independent review or scrutiny or expert report.
In light of all the views throughout Europe about independent judiciaries and the concerns about the undermining of judicial independence, as well as the views of GRECO and the European Commission, will the Taoiseach pause and reflect again on the Bill?
Comment on this
The Deputy will be aware that this Bill is proceeding through both Houses. We had extensive debate on it in the Dáil recently, during which it was amended. It is currently in the Seanad. I have been reflecting and I will continue to do so. I assure the House that it remains the Government's priority that this legislation be enacted-----
Comment on this
Despite the concerns of GRECO and the European Commission.
Comment on this
-----and that we reform the manner in which our judges are appointed.
I have taken careful note of what was said by GRECO and I had the opportunity of meeting the body. One of the many amendments to the Bill relates directly to the point raised by GRECO on the number of judges on the proposed new commission. I was pleased the House agreed an amendment to increase that number to five, which will comprise representatives of all courts.
Due to the importance of the point raised by the Deputy, I acknowledge some work must be done on this. Again, I urge the co-operation of all Members when it comes back from the Seanad to reform and modernise our legislation in accordance with international best practice.