Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy McDonald was welcomed across the Shannon anyway.

As I said to Deputy Martin, as Taoiseach I am very happy to continue to facilitate the engagements, both formal and informal, as appropriate, between the Government, the Executive and members of the Judiciary. I would point out that this has always been facilitated through the Office of the Attorney General. In fact, a meeting took place on 7 March between the Chief Justice, the Attorney General and representatives of the Department of Justice and Equality. This was followed by a letter, written by the Attorney General with my consent, to the Chief Justice about these matters, in terms of keeping the lines of communication open and keeping the relationship between the Judiciary and the Government as it should be. I am happy to facilitate that continuing engagement.

I do not accept that the arrangements for communication, both formal and informal, have been withdrawn, suspended or have ceased. They are ongoing and will continue, in the interests of good communications. As I said earlier, the absolute independence of the Judiciary in this country has been accepted by everybody and will be maintained by this Government.

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