THE GENERAL SCHEME of the Bill that will allow for the establishment of the Court of Appeal has been published.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has announced that the government secured approval for drafting the Court of Appeal Bill 2014.

It follows last autumn’s referendum, which was passed by 65.2 per cent of voters, the same referendum in which the public voted against the abolition of the Seanad.

Mr Justice Seán Ryan has been named as the President Designate of the new court, and his appointment will be finalised once the necessary legislation is in place.

Mr Justice Ryan previously chaired the Child Abuse Commission, which Minister Shatter said was hailed as “a work of incalculable value to this country”.

The Minister has set a date of October for when the new court will be up and running.

“The arguments in favour of the establishment of a Court of Appeal are undeniable,” he said.

“The absence of such a Court has led to a huge volume of cases being referred to the Supreme Court compared with other similar common law jurisdictions.”

It also has economic implications in that a modern, trading economy needs an efficient and streamlined courts system if Ireland is to be to the forefront when it comes to attracting international investment.”

You can read the General Scheme online here.

Explainer: What was the Court of Appeal Referendum all about? >

Shatter: Why is he under pressure – and will he survive? >