merrion street

At its meeting yesterday, the Government agreed to nominate Mr. John Martin, Barrister, for appointment as an Ordinary Judge of the Circuit Court by the President of Ireland.

The vacancy of an Ordinary Judge of the Circuit Court arose following the retirement of Her Honour Judge Petria McDonnell on 5 June 2022.

Additionally, at its meeting today, the Government agreed to nominate Mr. Vincent Deane, Solicitor, for appointment as an Ordinary Judge of the District Court by the President of Ireland.

The vacancy of an Ordinary Judge of the District Court will arise following the retirement of Judge Conal M. Gibbons on 19 August 2022.

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

Ends

Note for Editors

• In accordance with articles 13.9 and 35.1 of the Constitution, judicial appointments are made by the President acting on the advice of the Government.
• A judge cannot be appointed by the President until there is a vacancy in that office. However, it is open to the Government to agree in advance the name of the person it proposes to advise the President to appoint. The formal appointment by the President can take place after the vacancy arises. 

Limited biographical details:

Mr. John Martin, Barrister:

• Educated: University College Dublin and the Honourable Society of King’s Inns
• Joined the Bar: 1997
• Accredited Mediator
• A trained Collaborative lawyer

Mr. Vincent Deane, Solicitor:

• Educated: GMIT Galway, NUIG and Law Society of Ireland
• Qualified as a Solicitor: 2001.
• Criminal Litigation Lecturer and Associate Faculty Member of the Law Society of Ireland Education Department 2007-2019
•        Chief Prosecution Solicitors Division, Office of the DPP 2005-2010
• State Solicitor for Co. Mayo 2010-2022