Committee of Public Accounts challenge
Senator Devine welcomed the court finding that the Oireachtas is protected from judicial interference in Members’ utterances, in the context of a legal challenge over the Committee of Public Accounts. The Cathaoirleach thanked her for her brevity.
I extend my congratulations to Mr. Martin Groves on his appointment as Clerk of Seanad Éireann. I say, "Well done," to him. It is well deserved. Most of all, I ask him to enjoy it, if he can.
I refer to the legal challenge made against the operation of the Committee of Public Accounts which was alleged to have been a witch-hunt against the previous CEO of the Rehab Group. I welcome the finding that the court has no power to intervene in utterances, comments, observances, expressions, etc. made by Members of the Oireachtas in the Houses as set out by the Constitution. I do not think any of us was in any doubt that this would be the finding. I am glad that the separation of powers in the Legislature has been respected and reinforced. It is of paramount importance that we have the power in this House, the Lower House and the committees to investigate matters of public importance, uphold the public interest and protect our constitutional democracy. There are further judgments due and pending in the near future and I am sure we all look forward to the findings with interest.
