Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Before I call on the Minister to begin the debate proper, in the context of the House's consideration of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill I want to remind all Members that when debating matters relating to the Judiciary, it is important to be mindful of the principle of the separation of powers. Members of the Judiciary are independent in the performance of their duties by virtue of the Constitution and it is not in order to comment on or criticise them in any way. This is a long-standing rule of the House and I therefore request all Members who are contributing to the debate to be measured in their contributions and to uphold the principle of mutual respect between the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Judiciary. I urge them to address their remarks to the important policy proposals contained in the Bill.

It may not have been necessary to make that point but it is important to remind Members of the rules. They are all experienced politicians and I know they will observe the rules of the House. I invite the Minister to open the Second Stage debate.