Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This legislation has become a farce. I will not dwell too much other than to say that I contacted the Courts Service today. There have been 45 appointments in the various categories of judges, including the Chief Justice, two in the Supreme Court, five in the Court of Appeal, 15 in the High Court, ten in the Circuit Court, and 13 in the District Court. The Minister knows that. All of those appointments have happened under this Administration and they are good, legitimate appointments of high-standing judges. I take exception to the commentary I have heard about judges in this country, people who have served us well. That is important.

I will not drift on to the topic of the letter in The Irish Timesbut I penned a letter to that newspaper today about this matter which I hope will be published in the next few days. We have a system that has worked exceptionally well, despite everything that has been said. The Minister and Government have confirmed and recommended these appointments as judges, as is right and fit. I do not know where we are going on all of this. We have a system that works well.