The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter T.D., today welcomes the swearing in by the Judge Advocate-General, Ms Oonagh McCrann SC, of Col. Michael Campion as military judge for the Defence Forces. Col. Campion was appointed following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service. Prior to 2011, the post of military judge was only open to qualified officers within the Permanent Defence Force. Col. Campion was commissioned as an officer of the Permanent Defence Force on 4 September 2012 for the purpose of taking up the appointment as military judge. He was subsequently appointed by the President as a military judge. 

Speaking at the Swearing In ceremony, which was held in the Military Justice Centre, McKee Barracks, Minister Shatter said that “Col. Campion has had a successful career to date as a solicitor and will now bring particular skills and expertise gained in private practice to the role of military judge. His service as an officer in the Reserve Defence Force will also provide him with the essential background knowledge of military practices and law necessary to fulfil the role. The Minister went on to say that he had “no doubt Col Campion’s knowledge of the cut and thrust of civilian practice, together with his military experience, will see him serve with distinction in his new role as military judge.” 

Col. Campion was educated at St Benildus College Dublin, UCD, and the Law Society of Ireland. He was enrolled as a Solicitor in 1986 and has conducted a wide ranging legal practice based in Dublin. Mr Campion qualified for admission to the New York Bar in 1989 and also holds a post graduate diploma in European Law. Since 2006 he has served as a chairperson of the Mental Health Tribunal. He was also previously a member of the Criminal Legal Aid Panel.
ENDS

[Note for Editors]

The post of military judge was introduced by Section 34 of the Defence Amendment Act 2007, on 21 April 2007. Col. Campion is the second full time military judge and the first to be appointed by open competition from outside the Permanent Defence Force.

The function of the military judge is to preside at courts martial and such other judicial functions as may be prescribed. To be qualified for appointment as a military judge an individual must be a practising barrister or a practising solicitor of not less than 10 years standing. The appointment is in the commissioned officer rank of Colonel in the Permanent Defence Force and is subject to the terms of Chapter IVC of Part V of the Defence Acts 1954-2011. 

Mr. Campion is married to Angela Becker and they have four children Edward (17), Hugh (14), Michael (11), and Reine (4).

He is the son of Col. Ned Campion and Mrs Eva Campion. His father is a former Commanding Officer of the Army Equitation School, international showjumper and Chef d’Equipe of the Irish showjumping team.