Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Yesterday, a Senator was cast out from this House on the reputation and integrity of members of the Judiciary. Senator Jim Walsh yesterday stated that the Chairman of the Mahon tribunal was acting as an effective shop steward for the tribunal. His exact words were and, I quote, "we must recognise that the chairmen of some of the tribunals in fact use their position in order to act more or less as shop stewards for the wealthy legal profession". That is a disgraceful comment by a Senator in this House, one which Senator Walsh has refused to withdraw. It casts a slur on the motivation, integrity and honesty of members of the Judiciary in carrying out their duties in the public interest. It suggests that judges act in the interests of a particular profession rather than in the interests of public good and justice.

Senator Walsh has refused to withdraw the remark. This cannot be allowed to pass. Simply withdrawing from the House is not enough. I have read the transcript and listened to a recording of the proceedings. I believe the reputation of this House has been damaged by the remark made yesterday in the House by Senator Jim Walsh.

Yesterday, the Cathaoirleach referred to the importance of the separation of powers. The issue was also referred to by other Members. It is a cornerstone of our democracy and it is critical it is respected in this House and in the Dáil. I do not believe it was respected yesterday by the comments made.

The tribunals were established by the Houses of the Oireachtas and any effort to undermine their work is unacceptable, improper and inappropriate. If there are political charges, they can be responded to in a political manner. However, undermining and confusing this House by impacting on the separation of powers is not acceptable in a democracy. It is also dangerous. I wish to put the following motion to the House: "That this House regrets and distances itself from the comments of Senator Jim Walsh."