Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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1699. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time staff employed by the Judicial Appointments Commission; the breakdown of staff positions within the Commission; the number of contractors or advisors employed by the Commission in 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47134/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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On 1 January 2025, the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2023 came into operation in its entirety. The Act establishes a new, independent Judicial Appointments Commission to select and recommend persons for all judicial offices in Ireland and in the EU and international courts.

The Commission consists of 9 members, subject to section 45 of the Act. Commission membership included the Chief Justice as Chairperson, the President of the Court of Appeal (subject to section 9 (2) of the Act), 2 members of the Judicial Council, 4 lay members and the Attorney General , as a non-voting member. Following a Public Appointments Service competition, Mr. Sean Duggan was appointed as Director, and I understand he has two full time staff reporting to him.

As stated earlier, the Commission is independent in the exercise of its functions. Questions regarding the use of consultancy or other advisors should be directed to the Commission.