HL Deb 15 June 2004 vol 662 cc61-2WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Who recommended the current members of Her Majesty's High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland for appointment and when; whether this was solely on the basis of merit; and whether they will provide information about the gender, age, ethnic origins and community background and the part of Northern Ireland with which the judges regard themselves as being most closely associated. [HL3131]

Lord Filkin

There are nine High Court Judges in Northern Ireland:

  • The Honourable Mr Justice Sheil—appointed November 1989;
  • The Honourable Mr Justice Higgins—appointed November 1993;
  • The Honourable Mr Justice Girvan—appointed April 1995;
  • The Honourable Mr Justice Coghlin—appointed April 1997;
    • WA 62
  • The Honourable Mr Justice Gillen—appointed January 1999;
  • The Honourable Mr Justice McLaughlin—appointed September 1999;
  • The Honourable Mr Justice Weatherup—appointed June 2001;
  • The Honourable Mr Justice Weir—appointed September 2003;
  • The Honourable Mr Justice Morgan—appointed May 2004.

All were appointed by Her Majesty the Queen on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor. The appointments were made solely on the basis of merit.

Personal information in relation to individuals is not released.