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Government finalises High Court nomination process

The Government has given more details about the process set up to nominate a successor to Ms Justice Mary Irvine as President of the High Court.

Ms Justice Irvine is due to retire in July.

A non-statutory advisory committee to help identify eligible and qualified people – including serving judges – for the post has now been set up.

The committee comprises:

• Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell (Chief Justice, pictured),
• Jane Williams (Sia Partners), and
• Paul Gallagher SC (Attorney General).

The committee will consider the suitability of those interested, and make recommendations to the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee on preferred candidates.

Expressions of interest are being invited from persons eligible in accordance with section 5 of the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act 1961, as amended.

Established record

The Government has set out a number of selection criteria – including an established record of adjudicating in significant cases, the ability to provide strategic direction for the court, and the ability to “inspire confidence”.

The deadline is 1pm on 16 May.

The procedures of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB), set out in the Courts and Courts Officers Act 1995, do not apply to the appointment of the President of the High Court.

Under the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022, which is now before the Dáil, a new Judicial Appointments Commission will cover the nomination process for appointments to senior judicial positions – including the chief justice.