Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They are not included under the broader Ethics in Public Office Act because of their constitutional independence. If we were to go any further in this Bill in extending to judges the requirements to which a Member of the Oireachtas is subject it could be inconsistent with their status within the Constitution. We are looking to deal with this separately through the establishment of a judicial council. It is proposed that the legislation providing for the establishment of the council will also provide for the establishment of a judicial conduct committee, both to facilitate the investigation of allegations of judicial misconduct and to prepare guidelines concerning judicial conduct and ethics. Separate legislation is being drawn up for that purpose, which I believe is at an advanced stage of drafting.