Seanad debates

Wednesday, 11 December 2019

Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage

 

10:30 am

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will speak to amendment No. 21. I expect the Minister to accept this amendment. It would be outrageous if he did not. If he turns his face against this amendment, it means he thinks the Public Appointments Service and the commission and their members should use their influence with regard to the interpretation of the law of the Constitution by the courts. How could the Minister possibly stand over something as outrageous and barbarous as that? This is supposed to secure independence. It is supposed to keep the appointment of the senior members of Judiciary secure from political interference. This is doing that. If the Minister does not accept this amendment, he is saying that members of the Public Appointments Service and the commission and their members are perfectly entitled to attempt to influence the interpretation of the law. I cannot think of anything more contemptible. I second the amendment.

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