Justice minister Charlie Flanagan has welcomed the appointment Justice Caroline Costello and Justice Isobel Kennedy to the Court of Appeal as well as the appointment of Justice Garrett Simons to the High Court.

Speaking after the appointment ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin, he said: “I am delighted that the Government agreed to put forward these judges for appointment to the Court of Appeal and the High Court and I wish them well in their new roles. 

“I am particularly delighted that today’s appointment of Justice Caroline Costello and Justice Isobel Kennedy to the Court of Appeal brings about a situation where we now have a 50/50 gender balance in that Court.”

There have been 49 judicial appointments since 2016 – with 14 judicial appointments in 2016, 16 in 2017 and 19 to date in 2018. 

Judicial Appointments Commission Bill

The Minister added that good progress has been made in the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, currently at Committee Stage in the Seanad.

The vacancies in the Court of Appeal arise following the retirement of Justice Gerard Hogan and Justice John Hedigan whilst the vacancy in the High Court arises following the retirement of the Justice Paul Butler.