Judiciary changes to be announced today

The Justice Minister is to publish today a long-awaited bill changing how the judiciary operates.

As part of its provisions, the Judicial Council Bill offers a mechanism for dealing with complaints against judges and imposing sanctions.

The Judicial Conduct Committee will be made up of eight judges and three lay members appointed by the Government.

Dermot Ahern's far-reaching bill establishes a judicial council to promote efficiency and high standards among judges

It also provides guidelines for judicial conduct and for the first time creates a committee for investigating complaints against judges

The judicial conduct committee will have powers of the High Court in compelling witnesses to attend hearings which will be conducted in private.

At present a resolution of both houses of the Oireachtas is required to remove a judge from office.