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

Question 72: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the details of the Judicial Council Bill have been finalised; if he will provide an outline of same; and when the Bill will be circulated. [26831/08]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 91: 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 he expects that the Judicial Council Bill will be published and enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27043/08]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 105: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress he has made in respect of providing for the establishment of a judicial council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27165/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 91 and 105 together.

As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Questions nos. 94, 170 and 201 on 28 May 2008, work on the scheme of the Judicial Council Bill, which builds on the report of the Committee on Judicial Conduct and Ethics, is at an advanced stage of development in my Department. The intention is that the Bill will establish a judicial council and provide for the investigation, with lay involvement in that process, of allegations of breaches of judicial discipline.

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.

Following contacts with the Chief Justice, a working group was established earlier this year to advance the Bill. The Group comprises a nominee each of my Department and of the Chief Justice. Its work is ongoing. I am confident that this approach will ensure that the details of the proposed Bill can be finalised in the reasonably near future.