Ireland will nominate a judge as Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union following the resignation of Advocate General Gerard Hogan, who has been appointed to the Irish Supreme Court.

The position will run for the remainder of the six-year term of six years which began in October 2018.

The Government is to establish an expert panel to assist in identifying candidates who are qualified and suitable for the post.

The panel will recommend suitable candidates for nomination by the Government in accordance with Article 253 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU).

Mr Justice Nial Fennelly, a former judge of the Supreme Court and a former Advocate General of the Court of Justice, will chair the expert panel.

It will also comprise:

• Marie Cross, formerly of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and
• Attorney General Paul Gallagher SC.

Applications are invited in confidence from those possessing the required qualifications.

Candidates must have a high level of expertise in EU law and a good knowledge of written and spoken French.

Impartiality

In addition, the candidates’ independence, impartiality, probity and integrity must be beyond doubt, and candidates must demonstrate an ability to perform the duties of Advocate General including:

1)    Ability to analyse and solve legal issues,

2)    Ability to work as part of a team in an international environment in which several legal systems are represented,

3)    Ability to manage a team,

4)    IT skills,

5)    Ability to produce high-quality work efficiently and under pressure.

Applications and curriculum vitae should be sent by email or post marked ‘confidential’ to be received no later than 5.30pm on Friday 14 May.