Government nominates three new members of the Court of Appeal

At its meeting yesterday, 26 May 2026, the Government agreed to nominate:

• Hon. Mr. Justice Paul Burns
• Hon. Ms. Justice Emily Egan
• Hon. Mr. Justice Mark Sanfey

Judges of the High Court, as Ordinary Judges of the Court of Appeal.

The vacancies in the Court of Appeal arise following:

• the elevation of the Hon. Ms Justice Niamh Hyland to the Supreme Court on 22 April 2026,
• the elevation of the Hon. Mr. Justice Brian O'Moore to the Supreme Court on 22 April 2026 and
• the commencement of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2025 on 30 January 2026 (three vacancies - one of these three vacancies is due to the Hon. Mr. Justice Michael MacGrath chairing the judge-led Commission of Investigation into historical sexual abuse in schools.

The Government has taken the necessary steps to formally advise President Connolly of the nomination in accordance with constitutional practice.

ENDS