merrion street

At its meeting today, the Government nominated Mr. Gerard Jones, Solicitor and Ms. Bernadette Owens, Solicitor for appointment by the President to the District Court.

The vacancies in the District Court arise from the retirements of Judge Bridget Reilly in August 2016 and Judge John O’Neill in November 2016.

The Government has taken the necessary steps to formally advise President Higgins of the nominations in accordance with constitutional procedure.

17 January 2017

Note for Editors

The nominations for appointment to the District Court follow the receipt of a list of suitable candidates from the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board.
Limited biographical details:

Mr. Gerard Jones, Solicitor

• Educated: National University Ireland Galway and the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland
• Enrolled as a solicitor: 1981
• Principal Solicitor in G. Jones & Co. Solicitors, mixed practice covering criminal law, family law, conveyancing, probate, licensing, employment law and civil litigation.
• Appointed a Notary Public: 2011

Ms. Bernadette Owens, Solicitor

• Educated: University of Limerick and College of Commerce Rathmines Dublin
• Enrolled as a solicitor: 1984
• Advanced Certificate in Credit Union Practice: 2012
• Principal Solicitor in B.M. Owens & Co. Solicitors with wide experience in criminal law, family law, conveyancing, probate and litigation
• Appointed as a lawyer member of the Legal Aid Board from May 1995 to October 2001
• Appointed as Guardian Ad Litem to the District Court in August 2010