Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice Martin Kenny TD has reiterated his call for the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to come before the Dáil to make a statement and to answer questions about the appointment of Mr. Justice Séamus Woulfe to the Supreme Court.

He has said that a report in this morning’s Irish Independent that another judge appointed to the judiciary trained as a solicitor at the law firm of the former Minister for Justice further highlights the need for transparency and accountability when it comes to judicial appointments. 

Teachta Kenny said:

“The continued refusal of the Minister for Justice to come before the Dáil to answer questions about her decision to nominate Mr. Justice Séamus Woulfe for appointment to the Supreme Court is utterly unacceptable.

“All Opposition parties and groups have now taken united action to make sure that the Dáil can carry out its role in holding the government to account. 

“The revelation this morning in the Irish Independent that another judge appointed to judicial office – on the same day as Mr. Justice Woulfe – had close professional ties to the former Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan further highlights the need for accountability and transparency.

“The Minister for Justice needs to set out how many applicants applied for this Circuit Court post through JAAB and through expressions of interest.

“The government cannot hide and continue to dodge questions about these issues.”