Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This applies not just to candidates about whom the Minister is sensitive, but to Members of the other House - with whom I served many years ago - who happened to have run as running mates to other powerful people in this House. It should not be possible for anybody, however powerful, to try and silence discussion of a principle of that sort in this House. I am sorry if it is embarrassing, but it is true.

The courts of this country need serious reform. People are still being appointed to the District Court without interview and with no known qualifications beyond being a solicitor or a barrister, because they can show political credentials. I would like to see that reform introduced to this House by the Minister. I congratulate him on this Bill and am sorry he does not like what I have said about other matters. I urge him to go further and to examine the appointment of judges, particularly in the case of this Bill.

See this speech in context