Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to see the Judicial Council Bill back before this House on Committee Stage today. I note that it is more than 16 months since we took the Bill on Second Stage on 22 November 2017. It is unfortunate that we have seen such a long delay at a time when there has been such unseemly haste to rush the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill through. I am also disappointed that we saw at such late notice, and after our leaders meeting last week, the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill reappearing on this week's schedule on Thursday afternoon. I know that is for another day but I want to put the point on the record.

Might we make provision over the coming week or so for a debate on Brexit? I know we have had many opportunities to do so but clearly the issue is changing daily. More and more depressing news comes from Britain. We are seeing, apparently, a catastrophic cliff-edge approach being taken in Westminster with the prospect of a no-deal scenario becoming more likely. Those of us watching it from this jurisdiction feel immense and increasing helplessness. We wish we could do something to avert the course of these votes that are constantly against any prospective resolution. It was particularly frustrating to see such narrow margins last night in the House of Commons votes. I know this point has been made elsewhere by other legislators and Members of the Oireachtas, but it is shocking that we have a party in this jurisdiction that holds seven seats in Westminster. It could have made a major difference and would have enabled the passage of the Ken Clarke amendment that would see Britain stay within a customs union. It was lost by three votes last night.I know Sinn Féin has its own reasons but if there was ever a time to leave that aside in the face of an existential crisis for this country and for those living in Northern Ireland as well as for our neighbours in Britain, if there was ever a time to take up seats, it would make such a significant difference. Nobody could suggest it would not.