Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour)

I thank Deputy McLellan for sharing time with me. I welcome the Bill and congratulate the Minister on bringing it before the House. I support the Bill and acknowledge its necessity. Like other Deputies, including Members of the Opposition, I will be working to ensure a positive outcome for this legislation in the forthcoming referendum.

It is regrettable that this Parliament must, given the current climate, bring legislation before the House to deal with a small group of people who, since 1937, have held a privileged position, as provided for in the 1937 Constitution. I am neither a great enthusiast nor supporter of that Constitution which appears not only to have given special positions to one church, but special protection to judges' pay. I expect that, following referendum day, this will end. I have no axe to grind with judges; I am sure there are very good judges. I do not know any judges; none live in my estate. While I am sure they do good work, they are not beyond the responsibilities of civic society. We are in a bad place, as outlined by other speakers, including Deputy McLellan. People are experiencing hardship. Judges are well paid and can afford to take the small wage cut being sought by Government. Judges have been in an extremely privileged position as a result of the Constitution passed in 1937, which was only voted on by approximately 30% of the population. Perhaps the majority of the people knew better. Only a small number of people turned out for it. I support the Bill.

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