Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 539: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce the Judicial and Ethics Bill; and if he will give an update on the situation. [32902/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I take it the Deputy refers to the proposed judicial council Bill, under which it is proposed that a judicial council will be extablished which will have among its responsibilities the establishment of a code of judicial ethics and the investigation of allegations of breaches of ethics.

The preparation of the scheme of the Bill is at an advanced stage. I am engaged in a number of necessary consultations on the draft scheme at present and I expect to be in a position in the reasonably near future to bring the scheme to Government for approval. It is my intention that when the scheme of the Bill has been approved by Government, I will make it available to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights. Any views that may emerge from the joint committee can be taken into account during the drafting of the Bill, which will be proceeding at the same time.