Tá ceist a 1 curtha siar go dtí lá amárach.

Before dealing with the questions to the Minister for Justice I should like, for the guidance of Deputies, to point out that members of the Judiciary are independent by virtue of the Constitution and they may neither be criticised or have their rulings referred to in the House unless on a substantive motion. Therefore, I should like to remark that Members may neither make a charge against or discuss the conduct or actions of judges or justices. The conduct of judges can be dealt with in the House only on a substantive motion. The Minister for Justice is not responsible for the manner in which courts conduct their business. Decisions or judgments of a duly constituted court cannot be subjected to review or discussion in the House as the House is not a judicial body or a court of appeal. I want to make it clear, as quietly and firmly as I can, that I will be enforcing that ruling during these questions.

To get the record straight I should like to ask the Chair what by-law or Standing Order he is quoting from.

I am quoting from the Constitution and interpretations of rulings of my predecessors.