McDowell would have no role in Curtin retirement

TÁNAISTE Michael McDowell would have no role in determining whether or not Judge Brian Curtin should be allowed retire on health grounds, should he submit such a request.

The Irish Examiner understands the law governing this area includes no reference to the Minister for Justice but to the department.

There has been speculation in recent weeks that the judge, who was acquitted on charges of possessing child pornography over two years ago, might make an application to retire on November 1, the fifth anniversary of his appointment as a Circuit Court judge, on a reduced pension.

However, reliable sources told the Irish Examiner yesterday that there has been absolutely no suggestion to date that Judge Curtin intends to make such an application.

The all-party committee gathering information on the case has scheduled hearings to begin on November 6. These hearings, which will be held in private, are expected to take two weeks.

The committee, chaired by Fianna Fáil TD Denis O’Donovan, is then expected to complete its report for both Houses of the Oireachtas by early to mid December.

Mr O’Donovan said yesterday the committee would commence its hearings on November 6 and had received no indications otherwise.

“We are determined to proceed with the work, which has been ongoing for two years,” said Mr O’Donovan.

It’s expected that a computer expert, who examined Judge Curtin’s computer earlier this summer, and a Texan police officer will be the two key witnesses.

It is also possible that the Dáil and Seanad may be asked to return a week early in January to debate the motion.