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.