merrion street

The Government today announced the Hon. Mr. Justice Seán Ryan as President Designate of the new Court of Appeal which is to be established on foot of the successful passing of the Court of Appeal Referendum on 4th October 2013.

Formal nomination will follow on from the enactment of the necessary implementation legislation which is currently being prepared and arrangements will then be made for his appointment to the post by President Michael D Higgins.

The practical issues with regard to the Court of Appeal, such as the formal establishment and membership of the Court; the appointment of judges; the organisation of the Court; and provision for the office of Registrar of the Court; among other issues, will be provided for in the implementation legislation. The President Designate is being announced at this stage to facilitate smooth planning and preparations for the new Court.

25 February 2014

ENDS

Note for Editors

In October 2013, a Referendum to establish a Court of Appeal was passed by a majority of 65.2% of those who voted. The new Court of Appeal is being set up at a level between the High Court and the Supreme Court. At present, there are long delays in having appeals heard by the Supreme Court and the intention is that the new Court of Appeal will deal with most of the appeals which currently go from the High Court to the Supreme Court. In general, the decision of the Court of Appeal will be final. The Supreme Court will hear appeals from the Court of Appeal if the Supreme Court considers that the decision involves a matter of general public importance or the interests of justice require such an appeal. The Supreme Court will also hear appeals from the High Court if it considers that there are exceptional circumstances which warrant a direct appeal to it.

Under section 17 of the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995, the procedures in respect of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board do not apply in respect of judicial appointments where a sitting judge is nominated for appointment.

The Hon. Mr. Justice Seán Ryan

§ Born: 1948

§ Educated: UCD and King’s Inns

§ Called to the Bar: 1972

§ Called to the Inner Bar: 1983

§ Practised as a Barrister on the South Eastern Circuit

§ Appointed as Chair of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (CICA): 2003

§ Appointed as a Judge of the High Court: 2003

§ Appointed chair of an Expert Group to examine options for the implementation on the European Court of Human Rights judgement in A, B and C v Ireland: 2011