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Courts shuffle as key Court of Appeal vacancies filled

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said he was delighted with the nomination of Justice Marie Baker and Justice Brian McGovern of the High Court, to the Court of Appeal. Senior Counsel Tara Burns, meanwhile, has been appointed to the High Court.

The Minister said “these important appointments…will ensure that the courts across the jurisdictions are in a position to function at full capacity.

“The Court of Appeal plays a key role and it is important that the government ensures that it has the necessary resources to tackle its heavy work schedule including its legacy caseload,” he said.

Retirement

The Court of Appeal vacancies follow the May appointment of Justice George Birmingham as President, and the retirement of Mr Justice Paul Gilligan. The retirement in April of Mr Justice Michael Moriarty has led to the High Court vacancy.

The government has also agreed to nominate to the Court of Appeal Justice Patrick McCarthy of the High Court. He will replace Mr Justice Alan Mahon who takes up the role of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces this month.