Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 224: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a final submission from the Chief Justice on the proposals to establish a body to regulate the judiciary; if, in the absence of such a submission, he will proceed with the publication and enactment of that legislation as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2465/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 57 on the same topic on 13 December last, 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 particular 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 confirmed that the proposals for a Judicial Council are being examined across the various court jurisdictions and has advised me of progress in that respect. In that regard, I am advised that there will be a meeting shortly involving the Chief Justice to discuss the details of the proposed structure of the Judicial Council. I welcome this progress on examination of the proposals and look forward to progressing the necessary legislation in thisrespect.