First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appointed Deirdre Toner and Mark Mitchell as lay members of the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission. The appointments cover four-year terms from 25 February 2026 to 24 February 2030.

The commission selects or recommends candidates for judicial offices up to High Court judge level. It was established on 15 June 2005 under the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002, as amended by the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2004. Its responsibilities expanded in April 2010 after devolution of policing and justice powers.

The Lady Chief Justice chairs the commission, which includes 12 other members. The Executive Office sponsors the commission. The 2002 Act requires the First Minister and deputy First Minister to appoint lay members.

Deirdre Toner chairs the Civil Service Commission for Northern Ireland. She serves as an independent panel member for the General Optical Council. Mark Mitchell is a non-executive member of the PSNI Audit and Risk Assurance Committee. He is a non-executive director at Cunningham Covers Ltd in Maghera.

Appointments followed merit-based criteria. Neither appointee engaged in political activity in the past five years. Lay members receive a daily rate of £355.25.