Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise three issues. There was much discussion in the media over the weekend about the Council of Europe and the anti-corruption body known as GRECO, the Group of States against Corruption. I do not want to pre-empt what I hope will be a lively and engaging debate on the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill next week, but suffice to say it is reported in the press that the Chief Justice, Frank Clarke, and other judges have taken the unusual step of writing to GRECO. They raised a number of particularly serious issues in respect of the perceived appointment of judges to upper and higher courts. Could the Leader ascertain from the Minister whether he is committed to publishing the current GRECO report? If he is, can he make it available in advance of the debate on the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill next week?

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new Garda Commissioner designate, the PSNI deputy chief constable, Drew Harris, on his appointment. It is a very imaginative appointment. I wish him well. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Dónall Ó Cualáin on what has been a steady hand in terms of An Garda Síochána. He did not have an easy task, but it is worth acknowledging his work.

I thank the Leader for arranging for a debate on the summer economic statement. It will be important.