Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In his previous contribution, the Taoiseach cited once again what is, as far as I am concerned, a complete misunderstanding of the separation of powers. Spurious arguments are being used to prevent a debate in this House. All Members agree and understand that the appointment of judges is a function of the Government. The Government is accountable to the Legislature for its performance of its functions. It is the very separation of powers that warrants time to be put aside so that Members can ask questions of the Minister, Deputy McEntee, regarding the process. It does not matter.

We do not even have to mention a name. It could be Justice X. This is about the process. The Ceann Comhairle, without putting words in his mouth, ruled earlier that it is okay to have such questions, because we will only talk about the process. We can glean from all this that the only reason the Taoiseach is forcing all his Government colleagues to vote in the way they are voting is that, politically, he is afraid for the Minister and the Government to be questioned on this process. That is damn well not acceptable.

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