Chief Justice affirms support for judicial reform

The Chief Justice of Ireland, Mrs Justice Susan Denham, has affirmed the judiciary’s support for reform and change - while defending Ireland’s judges from criticism by politicians advocating the same.

Mrs Justice Denham spoke about the reform of judicial appointments and the proposed creation of a judicial council at a national conference for judges over the weekend.

She said: “The judiciary have led the movement for change in a number of important judicial areas, especially in the area of a judicial council and the appointment of judges. The judiciary have been requesting a change in the judicial appointments system for years.”

Mrs Justice Denham told the conference she had appointed a judicial appointments review group which had met with Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and her Cabinet colleague Shane Ross.

Mr Ross has campaigned for a number of judicial reforms. However, he earned a rebuke from the Taoiseach last week after saying judges “might forget their oath” if a judicial register of interests is not set up.

In a pointed remark, Mrs Justice Denham reminded ministers of the “fundamental principle that each of the great organs of State owes respect to the other”.

She said that “inaccurate discussion and misrepresentation of the position of the judiciary has been a feature of recent public discourse”.

Mrs Justice Denham said the judiciary’s commitment to reform was clearly set out at the recent meeting with Government ministers.

She said: “At this meeting, minsters and officials were reminded of the long and ongoing efforts of the judiciary on the need for reform in the areas of judicial appointments and a judicial council.

“The meeting heard that it was the judiciary that had taken and maintained a proactive stance in relation to reform and change.”

She added: “I am committed to continuing to press the Government on the issue of a judicial council. I remain optimistic, despite the complexities of working with the Government.”