HomeNewsArchived Speeches and Press Releases

Government nominate Judge Kevin O’Higgins for appointment as a Judge of the European Court of First Instance

 

The Government at its meeting on 1 July, 2008 nominated Judge Kevin O’Higgins for appointment as a judge of the European Court of First Instance to replace Judge John Cooke on his resignation from that Court. Judge O’Higgins term of office will run for a period of six years.

The European Court of First Instance was set up by the Single European Act and is attached to the European Court of Justice.

Biographical Details

  • Born 1946
  • Educated: Crescent College, Limerick; Clongowes Wood College; and UCD.
  • Called to the Bar of Ireland (1968)
  • Barrister (1968-1982) and Senior Counsel (1982-1986) of the Bar of Ireland
  • Appointed Judge of the Circuit Court in Ireland (1986)
  • Appointed Judge of the High Court in Ireland (1997)

Judge O’Higgins is the Irish representative on the Consultative Council of European Judges.  While a barrister, he had an extensive practice, mainly in criminal law.  He is one of the longest serving Judges in the country. 

Ends

3rd July 2008