Jobstown trial and judicial council Bill
Deputy Coppinger asked when the judicial council Bill would come forward and raised concern about a DPP letter relating to Jobstown defendants. The Chair warned against discussing an active court case, Deputy Donohoe declined to comment on the individual matter, and he later confirmed the Bill was being drafted and would be presented this session.
When will the judicial council Bill be brought before the Dáil? Will it deal with what I believe to be a sinister development? The Director of Public Prosecutions has sent a letter to defendants who are facing trial in April in respect of events in Jobstown. She has asked them not to participate in an event at Liberty Hall on Saturday which has been widely advertised and which will be addressed by a range of speakers. She has asked them not to participate in any protests or engage in any social media comment in respect of the trial. This is a further infringement of the right of people to speak to prevent a miscarriage of justice. Prejudicial comments have appeared in the media in respect of this trial for the past two years. Now, the community wants to have its say and give its side of the events that took place. If the defendants do not agree to comply with these outrageous conditions in court tomorrow, the likes of Deputy Paul Murphy and others could be sent to jail immediately. This is a really serious infringement on the right of people to put up a fair defence of themselves. The Government has had to abolish the water charges and designate them to history. This should be let go; these charges should be dropped. Otherwise, the Government will get involved in a very serious miscarriage of justice.
Comment on this
The Deputy is over time. She is moving again into the area of the responsibility of the courts. We have separation of powers in this country and I am very uncomfortable with the idea of a Member raising a matter relating to a court case that is currently active.
Comment on this
The courts will reach into the Dáil to try to grab a Member tomorrow. Where is the separation of powers in that light?
Comment on this
It is precisely in recognition of the independent nature of our courts and because of the fact that they are free from political influence in making their decisions that I am not going to comment on the individual case that has been raised.
Comment on this
This is the most political trial of the decade.
Comment on this
Deputy Coppinger raised a question on proposed legislation. I understand the Bill in question is being drafted. It is a priority for drafting within the Office of the Attorney General and I understand it will be presented during this session.