Six new judges to be appointed to the bench following Government decision

THE Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has welcomed the Cabinet decision to approve the nominations of six new judges - four to the High Court and to the Circuit Court.

The nominations complete the delivery of the first tranche of 24 additional judges approved by the Government in February 2023 on foot of the recommendations of the Judicial Planning Working Group.

President Michael D Higgins has been informed of the Government's decision under the provision of articles 13.9 and 35.1 of the Constitution.

The Government has agreed to nominate David Nolan SC, Denise Brett SC, Nuala Jackson SC, and Conleth Bradley SC as Judges of the High Court.

Two vacancies arose due to the appointments of Mr Justice Charles Meenan and Ms. Justice Tara Burns to the Court of Appeal in July.

One vacancy arose due to the retirement of Mr Justice Michael A. Hanna and an additional post was created following the enactment of the Courts Act 2023, which provides for the statutory complement of the Judges of the High Court to be increased by six, from 42 to 48.

The Government also agreed to nominate solicitors Jonathan Dunphy and Christopher Callan as Ordinary Judges of the Circuit Court.

These posts were created following the enactment of the Courts Act 2023, which provides for the statutory complement of the Ordinary Judges of the Circuit Court to be increased by five, from 40 to 45.

Commenting following the decision, Minister McEntee said: “I established the Judicial Planning Working Group to bring a strategic focus to planning the number and type of judges needed to ensure the efficient administration of justice, make it easier for our citizens to access justice and build stronger, safer communities. I am so pleased to complete the initial phase of its first recommendation and significantly increase the number of judges in Ireland by 24."

Ms McEntee added that the second tranche of 20 further judicial appointments is planned, subject to an impact assessment of the first tranche of judges and on the condition of certain reforms and efficiencies having been implemented.

The six new judges will take their seats on the bench in the coming months.