Reform of judicial appointments

The Society broadly supports the Government’s proposed Bill as a forward looking, inclusive and contemporary approach to reform of the judicial selection system, including a majority non-legal membership on the proposed new Judicial Appointment Commission.

However, the Society believes that a number of changes to the proposed Bill would improve it further, as detailed in the submission below. 

• Submission on the Scheme of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2016

Strengthening diversity

“One of the key objectives of the new appointments regime should be to increase the diversity of the judiciary," said Director General Ken Murphy in a statement on the submission. "Diversity must include the appointment of more women, legal professionals from all backgrounds and, in general, more candidates from wider social and geographical origins. Such candidates will enrich the judiciary with additional talents, skills and insights.”

• View the Law Society press release on the submission

Media coverage

Coverage on 28 March last included a five-minute interview with Rachael English on Morning Ireland and an Op-Ed article in the Irish Times, which can be accessed below:

• RTE's Morning Ireland (radio player)
• Transcript of Morning Ireland interview
• Article in Irish Times Opinion

Other submissions

The Law Society regularly engages with Government departments and agencies on issues of law reform and proposed legislation.

Practitioners can log into the Solicitors' area under Representation to view other Law Society submissions.