Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in the talks between his Department and representatives of the Judiciary regarding the introduction of a judicial council; when the Judicial Council Bill will be published and enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34520/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As I indicated in my reply to an earlier question on the same topic on 9 October last (No. 158), work on the scheme of the Judicial Council Bill to build on the report of the Committee on Judicial Conduct and Ethics is at an advanced stage of development in my Department. That Report recognised the need for a procedure for dealing with complaints of judicial misconduct which, while serious in itself, might not warrant the ultimate sanction of impeachment by the Oireachtas.

Consultations on the proposed Bill have, as is usual in the development of any legislative proposals, taken place with the Office of the Attorney General. It was also considered prudent, given the nature of the subject, to consult with the Chief Justice. While some preliminary views were received, the Chief Justice requested an opportunity to offer further views at a later stage. The Chief Justice has publicly stated that the proposals for a Judicial Council are being examined across the various court jurisdictions and has advised my Department of progress in that respect. I welcome this progress on examination of the proposals and look forward to hearing the comments of the Judiciary when their deliberations are completed.