Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Separation of powers is very important. I am not going to comment here on the actions taken in a particular court in relation to repossessions or any other issue. Judges act as they see fit. They have full independence in doing that. I am interested in examining the judicial council. I will be moving ahead to establish a judicial council. That is an important Bill as well. Obviously, my responsibility is in the policy area. I am responsible for bringing in appropriate legislation. It is time we had a judicial council in this area. Such a council will have the various powers I have outlined previously. That legislation is moving ahead. As the Deputy knows, I have had to deal with a number of other priority Bills in recent weeks. We are moving ahead on the judicial council Bill. We will be publishing it this year. As I said earlier, my Department has prepared a report on the submissions that have been made on the judicial appointments legislation. I will go to the Government with that later this year.

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