President of Circuit Court hits out over judicial vacancies

Mr Justice Groarke recently turned down a request by counsel for an early date for a hearing, as required by legislation, due to a shortage of judges.

He said the shortages meant he “just can’t obey legislative strictures”, adding: “How can I do the work the Government expects me to do when they won’t give me the judges I need?”

The Independent Alliance has pledged to use its role in Government to block appointments until legislation is passed to introduce a judicial appointments commission with a lay majority.

Independent Alliance minister Shane Ross has said blocking appointments is the “only way to force reform”.

The halt on appointments has been widely criticised in the legal sector, but this is one of the strongest criticisms from the judiciary to date.

Responding to Mr Justice Groarke’s remarks, Mr Ross told The Irish Times: “I assume this is out of context. A senior member of the judiciary would not normally be expected to disobey the law of the land.

“A Government decision to reform the system of judicial appointments, in a radical but responsible manner, has been taken. There is no intention to upset individual judges. We are equally anxious to fill any vacancies speedily but under a new, transparent, democratic system.”

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald told The Irish Times: “I have always made it clear the requirements of justice on an ongoing basis will be taken into account.

“There is no Cabinet decision in relation to not appointing judges.”