European Commission raises concerns over new judicial appointment law

'It is important that this reform guarantees judicial independence, taking into account European standards,' the European Commission. File picture.

The European Commission has raised concerns over a new draft law changing how judges are promoted and appointed in Ireland, saying that it continues to give the Government discretion on judicial appointments.

In its second ‘Rule of Law’ report, the European Commission has found a “high level of perceived independence”, but flagged concerns over the judicial appointments process.