Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I add my voice to those who have called for cool heads and calmness in the spat between the Judiciary and the Government. There is a channel for discussion and we should allow that discussion to take place. We have enjoyed an independent Judiciary for 90 years and it has worked well for us. Let us make sure we do not do anything that loses it. I think it is in the Government's hands to do something about that.

My attention was drawn to a case involving a Pakistani woman who has been in solitary confinement in Pakistan for four years. She is a Christian and she was imprisoned for blasphemy. The sentence was death by hanging. I will pass her name to the Leader because I believe something can be done about the matter. She has had no access to fresh water, light or a toilet. She is the mother to five children. We recognise the benefit of an independent Judiciary. The only two senior people in Pakistan to speak in her favour, a Muslim governor and a senior official, have been assassinated. We should value the independence of our Judiciary and the freedoms we enjoy. I urge the Leader to draw this case to the attention of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to see if we can add our voice to those who are calling for justice.