Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise the ongoing issue of the judicial appointments commission which has been discussed in recent days in the media and by some politicians. There has been much bile and anger and many words vented about the Judiciary. The former Minister for Justice and Equality, former Deputy Alan Shatter, initiated a public consultation process and invited the Judiciary to make submissions on reform of the judicial appointments process. The information is available on the Department's website which makes it clear that the Judiciary accepted that there was a need for change and did not hide behind the fact. Everyone recognises that there is a need for change. The programme for Government agreed between the Independent Alliance and Fine Gael indicated that there would be a judicial council at some stage and a judicial appointments commission. It has taken a long time. Last year the then Minister was in the House speaking about it being a matter of days or weeks before she would bring forward legislation but that did not happen. Why is there now a rush? I will not go into great detail on this issue because we will have another opportunity to discuss it. Suffice it to say I will strongly oppose and vote against any attempt to statutorily prevent the Office of the Chief Justice from being chairperson of any future judicial appointments commission. I look forward to participating in the debate.

The Leader indicated that the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill 2017 would be brought back to the House with amendments before the recess. Perhaps he might deal with the issue today.