Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important that we have a period of calm and do not engage in hyperbole. We must not transcend the line between the Executive and the Judiciary, which must remain clear. The programme for Government is committed to making significant reforms in the process of judicial appointments but my personal view is that the Chief Justice should play a role in that. It is important that we allow for an input into the changing of that process. I would not like people to have the viewpoint that members of the Judiciary are appointed on the basis of political cronyism or whatever. My experience is that they are appointed based on their experience, expertise and competency, and we should not engage in a war with them over that. I hope we will see that process undertaken in the new year.

With regard to the amendment to the Order of Business, I hope the Senator will withdraw the amendment because we will have the debate tomorrow afternoon.