Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to raise three matters: the appointment to the Court of Appeal vacancy; Rebuilding Ireland and the shift or change in Government policy in that regard; and the new Government. I will be brief. I understand, from the media and my engagement with people, that at least three High Court judges had written to the Attorney General, Máire Whelan, indicating that they wanted to be considered for the vacancy at the Court of Appeal. I also understand that then Minister for Justice and Equality had sought a list of candidates from the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board and that the latter "was not in a position to recommend anyone for appointment". There has been much talk of the appointment being in accordance with previous convention and within the law. I do not intend to spend much time raking over the coals of the appointment. I do not doubt or question the integrity or capabilities of the appointee, Maire Whelan. However, I do believe in learning from experiences. Following on from this experience, there is a need for greater clarity regarding the appointment of judges. Members will recall that I introduced a Private Members' motion on 15 September 2016 in respect of the appointment of judges and the establishment of a judicial council. That motion was unanimously agreed by the House but, sadly, no progress whatsoever has been made. Perhaps the Leader will follow up on that matter.

In regard to Rebuilding Ireland, the Taoiseach, on the appointment of Deputy Eoghan Murphy as Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government said:

Rebuilding Ireland is working but it may not be enough and so I am tasking him to review it within three months and to consider what additional measures may be required, including consideration of a greater quantum of social housing build, a vacant home tax and measures to encourage landlords to remain in or enter the rental market.

Within 24 hours of that statement being made, the outgoing Minister, Deputy Coveney, issued an unusual statement on his website in which he set out his record in regard to Rebuilding Ireland and the rationale of moving on, which I think was brave and the correct thing to do because it set out his stall. I invite people to take a look at both statements, one of which is available on Deputy Coveney's website and the other in the Official Report. The Taoiseach has now indicated that there will be shift in policy in Rebuilding Ireland. It is important to note this. It would be timely and appropriate that the new Minister, once he has settled into his new office, would come to the House to discuss this issue in the context of the third review of the commitments provided for in Rebuilding Ireland.

I take this opportunity to wish the Taoiseach well. I also wish the new Ministers and Ministers of State well in what is a challenging job. There are many people who are disappointed but that is the nature of politics. In regard to the new appointees, I wish them well. Leo's potent, political objective has taken him thus far but his toughest tests are yet to come. I wish him well.