At its meeting today, the Government nominated the following serving judges of the High Court for appointment to the Supreme Court:
The Hon. Mr. Justice Frank Clarke
and
the Hon. Mr. Justice John MacMenamin
The Government has taken the necessary steps to formally advise President Higgins of the nominations in accordance with constitutional procedure. The vacancies arise from the retirements from the Supreme Court of the Hon. Mrs Justice Fidelma Macken and the Hon. Mr. Justice Joseph Finnegan.
From 1 March 2012 there will be a total of 19 vacancies on the Bench – 2 on the Supreme Court (which will be filled by today’s nominations); 3 High Court (including two consequential from today’s nominations); 7 Circuit Court and 7 District Court. Following receipt of the relevant lists from the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, the Government will nominate persons for appointment by the President.
Ends
Government Press Office, press.office@taosieach.gov.ie, Ph: 01 6194098
Note for Editors
Section 17 of the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995 provides that where the Government proposes to advise the President to appoint to judicial office a person who is…a judge of the High Court….the provisions of section 16 of that Act (which relate to the provision by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board of a list of suitable nominees) shall not apply.
Biographical details for Mr. Justice Clarke
Born 1951
Educated: University College Dublin and the Kings Inns
Called to the Bar in 1973
Called to the Inner Bar in 1985
Chairman of the Bar Council 1993 - 1995
Appointed a Judge of the High Court in 2004
Chairman of the Referendum Commission for the 28th Amendment to the Constitution (Lisbon Treaty).
Biographical details for Mr. Justice MacMenamin
Born 1952
Educated: University College Dublin and the Kings Inn
Called to the Bar in 1975
Called to the Inner Bar in 1991
Chairman of the Bar Council 1997 to 1999
Appointed a Judge of the High Court in 2004