Judicial Council Bill progress
Deputy Howlin pressed for the long-promised Judicial Council Bill and questioned why it could not progress alongside the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill. The Minister said the matter was for the Seanad and that the other Bill was taking time to pass.
The Government promised a Brexit omnibus Bill that would involve multiple pieces of legislation from various Departments. Therefore, it is possible for Departments to have more than one Bill before a House at the same time.
I have previously asked about the Judicial Council Bill 2017, which is long-promised and long-awaited legislation to ensure uniformity across the Judiciary, which is very important. I was told that, since the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill was before the Seanad, another Bill could not be progressed. When will the Judicial Council Bill be presented to this House and when will it be enacted?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for the question. That is a matter for the Seanad, where the Bill is due for Committee Stage. However, the Seanad is currently dealing with the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, which is taking some time to make its way through.
Comment on this
Why can the Government not do both?