Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will have to take advice as to whether I can publish that letter. There is no objection to the proposed legislation in the letter that has not already been flagged or appeared in the newspapers. There was a meeting some months ago involving the Chief Justice, the Taoiseach at the time and the Tánaiste, Deputy Fitzgerald, to discuss the Government proposals. There has been engagement with the Judiciary, both in terms of meetings and this letter, to hear their views on this legislation.

The Judiciary has served us very well and I have immense respect for our judges and also for the separation of powers in this State. The time has come to reform the way in which judges are selected. It needs to be more transparent and independent. It is important to explain what will happen if this legislation is enacted. The President will continue to appoint judges as per the Constitution. The President will appoint judges on the nomination of the Government.

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