Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I concur with Senator Norris's remarks on the pharmacists' dispute. It should go to arbitration immediately and an outcome should not be pre-empted.

The recent decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions to withdraw a major charge in the case against Mr. Eddie Halvey was somewhat contentious. The DPP stated that he cannot give details about the process by which he arrives at decisions or precise details of a case because it would result in individuals being judged by public opinion and finding themselves in difficulty. This is a reasonable position for him to adopt and one I support.

Nevertheless, I propose that in contentious cases such as the Halvey case which do not occur often but enter public discourse, a commission of three eminent legal persons should sit in arbitration and approve the DPP's position. As this would require legislation, I ask the Leader to convey my proposal to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Senators should not read into my remarks either implicit or explicit criticism of the DPP who is above reproach and a person of integrity. The issue is one of achieving transparency, due process and the filtering of cases, especially those of a contentious nature. The establishment of a commission would assist the judicial process and support the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. I commend it to the Leader for consideration by the Minister.