Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 470: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the judicial appointments board with a view to ensuring greater diversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35855/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Following my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality, I requested my officials to conduct an examination of the current appointment procedure with particular reference to the practice in other jurisdictions. This review is wide-ranging and includes consideration of the following issues:

the need to ensure and protect the principle of judicial independence;

eligibility for appointment;

composition of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board;

the appointments process;

accountability in respect of its functioning; and

promoting equality and diversity.

The review is ongoing and I will consider the matter further on completion. Any proposal to revise the current system of judicial appointments would, of course, be a matter for consideration by Government.