Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not think it is in order-----

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Deputy John McGuinness:It is. He was vindicated in court, but the Department completely ignored the judge and the ruling and has still not paid him. It is another example of using the separation of powers to ensure another citizen will not get the justice he deserved.

The Minister should read about the case and the judgment and consider the activities of the Attorney General and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to Lucia O'Farrell. Again, we are told it cannot be discussed because of the separation of powers. What went on was scandalous and tells us everything about what is wrong in the State. We have heard it in this House time and again, yet no one wants to get involved in finding a solution because it relates to the courts.

All of us in the House know it is a complete spoof. If one goes to the King's Inns, which has charitable status, and looks at the appointment of judges, one will see that immediately on their appointment, they become benchers. That is the title they get. The benchers mix around with former Attorneys General and former Secretaries General of Departments, who look after the wine and the good food. They all have a chat together in these plush surroundings and barristers, judges, Attorneys General and Secretaries General share stories and we think it is okay. I do not think it is okay. I do not think the Minister, Deputy Ross, thinks it is okay. I tabled a parliamentary question on King's Inns and the fact they automatically make benchers out of judges whether the judges like it or not. They are all part of this club. Needless to say, the parliamentary question was only half answered.

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