Leo Varadkar: Independent panel is the modern way to appoint judges

The Taoiseach has been forced to defend controversial proposed changes to how judges are appointed — claiming they follow best international practice.

Fianna Fáil and the presidents of the five courts have all voiced concerns about the Judicial Appointments Bill which would introduce a lay chairperson and a lay majority to the commission which selects judges.

Speaking in the Dáil, Leo Varadkar claimed the bill, which has been strongly pushed by Transport Minister Shane Ross, would implement a “modern” system used both in the private and public sectors as well as in other countries.