Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Boyhan raised the important issue of the judicial appointment process and the need for clarity on it. I share his view on it, as he knows, but I do not think it is fair to say that one person will block the appointment of judges at Cabinet. A new process is being established, which will take time, and there are 75 sections to the Bill. I am assured that if appointments are required, they will be made as a matter of urgency by Cabinet in a transparent and accountable manner. It is correct that the desirability of a judicial council has been recognised for a long time. The Bill is being drafted and that will take time but it is equally important that we do not allow any situation to stop the wheels of justice and that we allow for the continuation of the separation of powers.

Senator Rose Conway-Walsh raised the issues of rent, rent certainty and housing. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, has attended this House and we had a good debate on this. A huge package is being put together under the Minister's action plan for housing and the Government committed in the budget to a plethora of things concerning housing-----