Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

An important political aspect to this is we will probably have a new Minister for Justice and Equality within the next few weeks, judging by all the speculation we have seen. When the current Minister was appointed, the Gambling Control Bill went off the table as a priority. When Ministers change, so do their priorities. We have taken the word of the Tánaiste and Minister that this is a matter of priority for her, we are not sure who the new Minister will be and what programme or priorities that Minister will have. I would be very sceptical about this coming before the Dáil or being published properly or progressed in advance of the summer recess. That is why we must exercise some level of authority now. The judicial appointments Bill would allow that rebalancing to occur without compromising any other piece of important legislation. That must happen and it must be felt at the heart of Cabinet so it cannot dictate terms to the Oireachtas or committees within that Oireachtas. When we prioritise something and give seven months notice, it is not good enough for a phone call or a letter to arrive the afternoon before our meeting. People have waited too long for this.