Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Three months ago, the Government briefed the media that a judicial referendum would be held in October. It promised consultation with the Opposition and stakeholders, none of which has happened. The Minister for Justice and Equality toured the media in recent days attacking the posting online of a document from the Judiciary on this issue. He was outraged that the document had been published but he ignored the fact that the Government had leaked it and briefed against the Judiciary. Even the Judiciary accepts that pay should be reduced but the situation has gotten out of hand. There should be no need for the contention that exists.

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