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

I am sure the Deputy will agree that in advance of drafting that legislation, it is important to have consultation with all the relevant stakeholders. I welcome the Deputy's offer to work with the Government, particularly given that the policy he has outlined in terms of a smaller number is much in line with the changes we discussed during Government formation. The Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption, GRECO, conclusions in the fourth evaluation round in Ireland found the Judiciary to be among the most trusted public institutions in the country. We have been very well served by the judges in this country despite some of the critical comments one hears about the nomination and selection of judges. That has been found to be the case based on the independent evaluation carried out by the Council of Europe. It is very gratifying that the principle of judicial independence was recognised by an international evaluation team, such as GRECO, and that the independence and professionalism of our judges is undisputed. The legislation will be complex and will need consultation. It will take some time to get to that legislation but I accept the points the Deputy has made on judicial appointments.

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