Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

-----even when we know and we like the people directly involved. Unfortunately, it seems that no objective test was applied in this particular case. That has raised question marks about whether other qualified candidates had their applications handled in an objective and transparent manner. It has at least appeared to link this appointment to the reopening of the Stepaside Garda station, which naturally raises further questions.

That brings me to another point I want to make. The Minister, Deputy Ross, used to sit on the Opposition benches. Whether in this Chamber in opposition or in the other Chamber or in his long-running newspaper column, we all know what his reaction to this event would have been, but the arch-critic has now gone mute. Content to play the parish pump, with his much-vaunted principles cast aside, as ever, the Minister, Deputy Ross, sat on his hands when Cabinet made this decision. When it then caused public controversy, he asked for a review of the decision he participated in. Therefore, a review we will have, and the Minister, Deputy Ross, can keep his principles. The Taoiseach should add the title "Minister for reviews" to his job description, for all the difference they have made. The Independent Alliance has secured several such reviews. We have had the review of cardiac services at Waterford hospital, an independent review of the Garda that never even started, the independent review of the corporate tax system, which was supposed to be due by now but has not appeared, the review the Minister, Deputy Ross, started about the Olympic ticketing scandal, which was due by the end of 2016 but has not appeared, and now a review about how judges are appointed.

If people wanted reviews, they were right to vote for the Independent Alliance. If they wanted action, they have been sorely let down. A year on in power, they still have little concept of how Cabinet works. They clapped through an appointment they now oppose. We have ended up with competing Bills in this House on the reform of judicial appointments. What is clear is that it is time to draw a line under this soap opera.

Ms Justice Whelan has been appointed to the Court of Appeal. I have no doubt she will do an excellent job. Instead of grandstanding, I hope this House will now draw a line under this latest debacle and ensure appropriate legislation is passed once and for all. The Taoiseach and the Minister present in the Chamber have promised to have that legislation before us next week. We have much to say on its contents. I would like to have had the time to include it in my comments but I do not have the time. It also should be accompanied by the judicial standards Bill, which was originally part of the same set of legislation. If that fundamental set of changes can be brought about, some good can come from this unfortunate saga.

See this speech in context