Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The last thing I want is for anyone to say I am refusing to answer questions or outline the process that is taking place. Earlier this year the Chief Justice identified that there was a vacancy within the Supreme Court. He asked the then Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, to fill that vacancy. Obviously, the process then ensued. The Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, which is an independent board chaired by the Chief Justice and contains the presidents of the courts along with others, made a recommendation. Given that there had been an election, there was an interim Government and with the outbreak of Covid, that appointment was not made.

Having been appointed at the end of June, after a number of weeks I looked at the recommendation that had been made and other expressions of interest that often come for any of these positions. Following that I spoke to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Attorney General. On foot of that, a recommendation was made, and a name was given to Cabinet. It is important to say only one name is ever given to Cabinet, whether it is for judicial appointment or appointment of a chairperson or member to a board from any other Department. Based on that recommendation, which had come through the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, which is an independent board, that name was approved by Cabinet. It is important to say there is a very clear process. As Minister for Justice, I adhered to that process and the person who was appointed came through an official process from an independent body chaired by the Chief Justice himself.