Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The point I was making is that considered contributions have been made to the policy formulation process by eminent groups such as the Chief Justice's committee on judicial ethics, the Constitutional Review Group and Oireachtas joint committees. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution, under the chairmanship of Deputy O'Donovan, has been charged with the difficult task of trying to deal with this situation that has arisen in a specific case. We are all mindful that we have to tread very carefully to make sure that constitutional rights are upheld and that fair procedures are respected.

In regard to the general situation, the draft heads are being prepared. A great deal of work and consultation has taken place with the relevant personnel. It is an area where we have to be mindful of the separation of powers and principles in the Constitution. It is not a simple issue but that is not to say it is one on which there has been undue prevarication. Much careful consideration has been given to this question. The fact that there is a case before us has to influence how we try to proceed in a way that does not appear to be pre-emptive.

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