Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to ask about the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, which has been described in today's editorial in The Irish Times as the pet project of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross. I concur with that view. As the Tánaiste knows, Fianna Fáil is opposed to the Bill because it is fundamentally flawed, but if the Government is not going to listen to us, we are not the only ones who have concerns with it. The European Commission has expressed its concern that the Bill "would not be in line with European standards". The Tánaiste will agree that this comment is not insignificant. It cannot and should not be ignored. Is the Government concerned about the Commission's view and, in order that Ireland can meet the highest standards of judicial independence, will it reconsider this legislation, which is being driven by the Minister, Deputy Ross?

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