Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know that Deputy Ross is raising this case as a matter of public interest and that he does not impugn the integrity of any person. He has been clear on that.

The referendum in respect of pay for members of the Judiciary came about because of the constitutional Article that stipulated that the remuneration of judges could not be reduced and because of the circumstances that applied nationally when there was a request for voluntary reductions of salaries. The fact that agreement to this request was not forthcoming to a great extent was the reason the referendum took place.

I will consult with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, about this matter. There is certainly a need for the public to view the Judiciary as being entirely independent, as it always has, but this is a small country and members of the Judiciary have obviously been involved in business in different areas over the years. This is a matter on which we need to reflect without infringing in any way upon the separation of powers between the Executive and the Judiciary. We must ensure that the high level of confidence in the Judiciary over the years is maintained. It is an issue that I will certainly discuss with the Minister for Justice and Equality.

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