Dáil debates

Friday, 21 February 2014

An Bille um an gCeathrú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Ceapacháin Bhreithiúnacha) 2013: An Dara Céim - Thirty-fourth Amendment to the Constitution (Judicial Appointments) Bill 2013: Second Stage [Private Members]

 

10:10 am

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----to mention the name of a judge or to criticise the appointment of a judge or anything like that in this House. I cannot understand why the recent appointment of Judge Cooke cannot be examined, criticised and analysed in this House, and his history examined as to whether he is a suitable candidate for the position in which he has been put. It would be far healthier if the taboo that surrounds judges, judicial appointments and naming judges were abolished and disbanded because such appointments are very important and it is very important that an appointment can be criticised. It is very important that the history of that judge, and I am not referring necessarily to any political affiliations, and his judgments should be brought to the attention of this House when we are examining the important task before him.

I beg the Minister to consider this Bill on its merits. I am hoping it will initiate a new departure in establishing the independence of our Judiciary and abolishing political patronage of it forever.

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