Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a question concerning ongoing education. It was mentioned that our judges are regularly sent to Scotland for additional training. When it comes to some of the decisions made by sitting judges - Deputy McGrath made reference to this and it is an observed knowledge I have - questions are often asked where there is a lack of understanding of a decision or its basis in, for example, sentencing guidelines. Is the requirement of ongoing education for judges - even breaking it down to knowledge of a specific subject area - something that can or should be subject to more guidance from Government? Should more authority be given to the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board to deal with this?