6th November 2003

PRESS RELEASE

GREENS PROPOSE DE-POLITICISATION OF JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

The Green Party has called for reform of the Judiciary. In particular the Party has called on the Minister for Justice to bring forward proposals to de-politicise the appointment procedure for judges so as to remove the perception of bias in their selection.

Detailing the elements of the proposed reform, Green Party Justice spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD said, "We are calling for an induction programme for new judges that would include anti-racism training, the provision of disciplinary procedures other than impeachment and the introduction of a Complaints Board as recommended by the Working Group on Judicial Ethics and Standards in 1998."

"Racist remarks from judges in recent times underline the need for modern
training and disciplinary procedures to be put in place so that the public can
be assured that the judiciary are well informed and accountable, "concluded Deputy Cuffe.