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

Let me reassure the Deputy I continue to work on all of the issues of relevance that are central to the Department of Justice and Equality. I have already said I believe this country has been very well served by the Judiciary and that has been recognised internationally in GRECO report after GRECO report. It is my own belief and it is certainly the belief of the Government that we have been well served by the Judiciary.

Clearly, there are developments that need to be put in place and that is recognised in the programme for Government, in which a central element relates to reforms in the appointment of judges. Every system needs a review and needs reform, which is precisely what we are saying needs to be done. Some changes are necessary and I believe they will be welcomed by everyone when we get down to the detail. As the Deputy said, there is and has been widespread support from the Judiciary, from the members of the Government and from the Deputy's party in regard to bringing forward the legislation on the judicial council. It is a widely shared goal and one I hope we will be in a position to deal with very shortly by publishing the legislation.

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