Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Group of States against Corruption, GRECO, is the Council of Europe body focused on measures against corruption. GRECO has submitted a report to the Government on the proposed changes to the judicial appointments system. From the leaked excerpts of the report we are aware that it is highly critical of the changes, including the amendments made up to 21 May, and it has asked that the matter be reconsidered by the authorities in Ireland. In the Seanad last night the Minister for Justice and Equality said that he had not read the report. Maybe he has read it since. It is highly unacceptable that this House would be allowed to consider these matters, and the other House be allowed to proceed with these matters, in the absence of this report. I ask the Taoiseach to agree not to proceed with the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill until all Members have had an opportunity to read in detail the analysis by an important international body that is tasked with fighting corruption.

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