Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have had a good debate. What Senator Bacik is talking about is gender opportunity quotas and I agree with that. Sometimes it is about the language we use. I agree with Senator McDowell that it has to be an appointment on merit alone. I accept what Senator Bacik says about gender opportunity quotas because that is an important issue but ultimately section 7 refers to the appointment on merit and merit alone and that is important.

I wish to comment on what Senator McDowell said. I will not open up the debate about what is wrong with the current system but as Senator McDowell alluded to, there were 34 appointments to the Judiciary: one appointment to the General Court of the EU; one appointment to the position of Chief Justice; one appointment to the Supreme Court; four appointments to the Court of Appeal; 12 appointments as judges of the High Court; nine appointments of judges to the Circuit Court; and six to the District Court. They are all judicial appointments or changes within the Judiciary as some of them, already being judges, moved positions.They are the facts, though, as printed off today, and that is important. In addition, I note the Minister's Department ran another advertisement two weeks ago in all the national newspapers again seeking to recruit judges to the various courts and again under the current system. I am therefore somewhat amazed by all the allegations of filibustering and inappropriateness and all the terrible, objectionable comments being made by one Government Minister on the appointment of the Judiciary. The Cabinet and the Government have seen fit to endorse 34 appointments, so the system works well. Given this fact and the advertisement to which I referred, one must ask the question, what is the Government at? The current system works, the Minister knows it works and no one is saying it does not work.

Again I make the point that we have been served with distinction by the Judiciary of all the courts. I think all of us, without exception, can say that. They have had a tremendous record in serving this State. This is an important point. I understand, however, the issue of gender opportunities and quotas. That should go through every walk of life when it comes to appointments. I am also conscious, however, that merit must be the ultimate prerequisite for appointment to the Judiciary.