Committee to discuss Judge Curtin issues

An Oireachtais committee is due to meet today to discuss the future of beleaguered judge Brian Curtin.

The seven strong group, of four TDs and three Senators, will look into the circumstances of charges Mr Curtin faced on possession of child pornography.

Judge Curtin was acquitted of possessing child porn. A trial judge ruled a search warrant used by gardaí at his home was out of date.

The committee was set up after emergency legislation was passed last month which would compel the judge to appear before the group.

The two new bills also cleared the way for the possible impeachment proceedings to begin against Mr Curtin on grounds of stated misbehaviour.

The committee will consider evidence concerning the subscription, access and use of websites containing child pornographic images.

It will then report back to the Oireachtas and a vote will be cast which will decide Judge Curtin’s fate.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said there would be no compensation deal for the judge if he was impeached.

Lawyers for the judge launched legal proceedings against the State, the Attorney General, and the Garda Commissioner earlier this month.