Irish government nominates former human rights president for Europe
The executive has officially selected Dr Síofra O’Leary for a judicial position at the Court of Justice of the European Union. This strategic nomination follows the upcoming conclusion of the current Irish representative's successful tenure next year.
Source:
Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Government formally decided, following a recommendation from the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan, to nominate Dr Síofra O’Leary for appointment as a judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union. Dr O’Leary previously served as president of the European Court of Human Rights from November 2022 until July 2024, having originally joined that court as a judge in July 2015. Before her tenure in human rights, she spent nearly twenty years working within the Court of Justice of the European Union across various judicial and administrative roles.
Under the provisions outlined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, judges are appointed by common accord among the governments of member states to serve six-year terms. The nomination process in Ireland was conducted in strict accordance with the mechanisms established under the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2024. Dr O’Leary will now be presented before a specialised panel established under Article 255 of the treaty, which is tasked with evaluating her suitability for the role before member state representatives make a final decision.
This diplomatic step comes as the second term of office for Mr Justice Eugene Regan, Ireland's current appointee to the Luxembourg-based court, is scheduled to conclude on 6 October 2027. Further details regarding the nomination procedure and updates on European judicial appointments are available on the official government website.
Under the provisions outlined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, judges are appointed by common accord among the governments of member states to serve six-year terms. The nomination process in Ireland was conducted in strict accordance with the mechanisms established under the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2024. Dr O’Leary will now be presented before a specialised panel established under Article 255 of the treaty, which is tasked with evaluating her suitability for the role before member state representatives make a final decision.
This diplomatic step comes as the second term of office for Mr Justice Eugene Regan, Ireland's current appointee to the Luxembourg-based court, is scheduled to conclude on 6 October 2027. Further details regarding the nomination procedure and updates on European judicial appointments are available on the official government website.
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