Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What I have said is that for me to make that decision and to engage with my colleagues, there is no criteria. However, through the JAAB there are very clear criteria. Where it makes a recommendation, it has to show that the individual has displayed in his or her practice as a barrister or solicitor a degree of competence and a degree of probity appropriate to, and consistent with, the appointment concerned. It talks about suitable grounds of character, temperament, complying with requirements and being suitable. It also talks about appropriate knowledge of the decisions and the appropriate knowledge and experience of the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court or any relevant court. There are, therefore, very clear criteria through the JAAB. The recommendation that I made was of somebody who had come through that process which was chaired by the Chief Justice, the presidents of the courts, the Law Society, the Bar Council and, of course, I took it on board.

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