The Government has nominated The Hon. Mr. Justice Frank Clarke and The Hon. Mr. Justice John MacMenamin for appointment to the Supreme Court.
Mr. Justice Frank Clarke was educated at University College Dublin and the Kings Inns. He was called to the Bar in 1973 and to the Inner Bar in 1985. He was Chairman of the Bar Council from 1993 to 1995 and appointed appointed a Judge of the High Court in 2004. He also served as Chairman of the Referendum Commission for the 28th Amendment to the Constitution (Lisbon Treaty).
Mr Justice MacMenamin was educated at University College Dublin and the Kings Inns. He was called to the Bar in 1975 and to the Inner Bar in 1991. He was Chairman of the Bar Council from 1997 to 1999 and was appointed a Judge of the High Court in 2004.
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 of the Hon. Mrs Justice Fidelma Macken and the Hon. Mr. Justice Joseph Finnegan.
From March 1 2012 there will be a total of 19 vacancies on the Bench including two on the Supreme Court (which will be filled by these nominations); three High Court (including two consequential from today’s nominations); seven Circuit Court and seven District Court. Following receipt of the relevant lists from the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, the Government will nominate persons for appointment by the President.
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