David Norris (Independent)

I move amendmentNo. 8:

In page 12, to delete lines 3 and 4.

I thank the Minister for graciously acknowledging the work previously done in the Seanad on this matter. The amendment concerns judges and I table it in the light of an experience I had many years in the courts where I used to attend fairly regularly. Certain judges made a habit of making the most derisory, cutting, defamatory and humiliating remarks about people who were in situations where they could not defend themselves. The Minister, however, replied comprehensively on that occasion and I was almost battered into submission, but there is perhaps scope for a book of practice or etiquette to ensure that judges do not do this. I read in the newspapers that from time to time they still do so. This is very regrettable, particularly for the weaker members of our society. This was not only my observation because at that time Nell McCafferty, in her excellent column "In the Eyes of the Law", drew attention to the very practices that I deplored then and still do. I will be interested to hear what the Minister has to say on this matter.