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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Courthouse access and Judicial Council Bill

Summary

Mattie McGrath criticises public exclusion from Castlebar courthouse and asks about the Judicial Council Bill. The Chair rules the local incident out of order, while the Taoiseach confirms the Bill will be published this session.

Does the Taoiseach agree with that aspect of the Constitution which provides that members of the public are entitled to free and unfettered access to courthouses on any day a court is sitting? What is his view on what happened in his home town of Castlebar on Monday morning?

Comment on this
Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

The Deputy should put his question to the Taoiseach another time. The purpose of the Order of Business is to discuss promised legislation.

Comment on this

I am discussing legislation. Where is the judicial council Bill the Government promised? Does the Taoiseach find it acceptable that people were denied access to the courthouse in his home town on Monday morning? He could have seen this if he had been in Castlebar on the day. It was wrong and a retrograde step. Does the saying of the rosary by members of the public threaten safety in a court? Does the Taoiseach no longer agree with saying the rosary?

Comment on this
Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

If the Deputy resumes his seat, I will find out about the Bill for him.

Comment on this

I want an answer. This is part of a democracy. What is the point of celebrating the 1916 Rising?

Comment on this
Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

The Deputy can raise these matters when the Bill is being discussed.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

The judicial council Bill will be published this session.

Comment on this

The Taoiseach can laugh if he likes, but the last laugh will be on him.

Comment on this