The Government confirmed earlier today that George Birmingham has been nominated by Cabinet to become the president for the Court of Appeal.
Mr Birmingham is a former Fine Gael TD and Minister of State.
A Government spokesperson confirmed that the position was advertised and a committee made up of the Chief Justice, Attorney General and the Chair of the top level appointments committee in the public service made a shortlist.
The secretary general of the Department of An Taoiseach, Martin Frazer, was secretary to the committee.
This ad hoc arrangement was previously used on one other occasion. The Government has said the Judicial Appointments Bill provides for a body with a lay majority and a lay chair to appoint judges is a priority.
The bill has been held up due to amendments.
