Results 8,581-8,600 of 10,229 for speaker:Jim O'Callaghan

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: We oppose the idea that there would be a director for this quango which will recommend about ten to 15 people per year for judicial office. We oppose section 34 for that reason.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I think there have been a number of judges who were legal academics and, in general, the experience has been very positive. It is also common in other countries. In America many people appointed straight to the Supreme Court come from an academic background. It is important, however, to maintain, particularly in courts of first instance, a practical knowledge of how courts operate. I...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move amendment No. 116:In page 27, line 34, to delete “a relevant committee” and substitute “the Commission”.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: Yes, it is for the same reasons and because it is part of the large grouping we discussed.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: Has Deputy Seán Canney accepted membership of Fine Gael?

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: The door has closed.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move amendment No. 117:In page 27, line 38, to delete “a relevant committee” and substitute “the Commission”.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move amendment No. 118:In page 28, line 5, to delete “a relevant committee” and substitute “the Commission”.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: It is important to recall that the Courts Act is the legislation that sets out the qualifications for persons who wish to apply for appointment to the courts. Currently, any solicitor or barrister can apply to be appointed to the District Court up to the Supreme Court. Deputy Clare Daly is correct where she says that the majority of appointments to the superior courts come from the...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move amendment No. 122:In page 28, line 17, to delete “a relevant committee” and substitute “the Commission”. This amendment similar to those in the big grouping. I am seeking to delete the reference to "a relevant committee" and replace it with a reference to "the Commission".

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move amendment No. 123:In page 29, line 2, to delete “A relevant committee” and substitute “The Commission”.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: The amendment seeks to substitute "may" with “shall publicly”. I believe that the word "publicly" is not necessary because it would mean they would have to set it out in a published statement. However, it is discretionary currently and it should be mandatory that the public and applicants should know what are the information and selection procedures for somebody who wants to...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move amendment No. 126:In page 30, lines 3 and 4, to delete “relevant committee” and substitute “Commission”.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move amendment No. 129:In page 30, to delete lines 15 and 16.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move amendment No. 130:In page 30, line 18, to delete “relevant committee” and substitute “Commission”.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move amendment No. 131:In page 30, line 32, to delete “relevant committee has received from the Commision” and substitute “Commission has received”.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I move amendment No. 132:In page 30, line 36, to delete “relevant committee” and substitute “Commission”.

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: I support this amendment. I think we need to recall that sections 42, 48 and 50 are the most important parts of the legislation. We have spent hours talking about, and there is a large number of sections on, the make up and functions of the commission. Ultimately, what we need to recognise is that the reason we are setting up the commission is so that it can make a recommendation to...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: It is important that we recall the purpose of the legislation we are discussing and the reason there have been calls for reform. The reason is people want to ensure the public interest is served by having people appointed to the Bench solely based on merit. This has not always happened. Sometimes people are appointed not on the basis of merit, but because of political or personal...

Select Committee on Justice and Equality: Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2018)

Jim O'Callaghan: They would not be seeking to introduce window dressing by way of statute that gives the impression that there will be reform. It is right that a Government should nominate judges for appointment. At least a Government may be thrown out of office. I would be very concerned about giving the full power of appointment to a judicial appointments commission appointed by the great and the good...