Justice Minister McEntee to answer questions on Woulfe appointment in the Dail

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has written to the Ceann Comhairle saying this evening saying she will answer questions on judicial appointments in the Dáil.

Ms McEntee bowed to Opposition pressure and will take questions regarding the process behind the selection of Supreme Court Judge Seamus Woulfe.

According to RTE this evening the minister and Meath East TD has written to the Ceann Comhairle saying she will - after all - take questions in the Dáil regarding the process which led to the appointment of Mr Woulfe.

Opposition parties had signalled they would not relent in their campaign until that happened.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar had warned earlier that such a debate would inevitably discuss the merits and demerits of candidates - something which he said, was "not appropriate".

Dear Ceann Comhairle

As Minister for Justice, it is my duty to respect the independence of the judiciary, a cornerstone of our State and system of government.

I and the Government have grave concerns that the manner of Dáil debate being proposed by the Opposition on judicial appointments could generate inappropriate comment around serving judges on the floor of the House.

The concerns as outlined by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste this week are shared across Government.

However, I am also conscious of the responsibility of ministers to be accountable to the Dáil. Deputies can table parliamentary questions and oral questions to me and Government colleagues on numerous issues.

I would ask the business committee to reschedule my next session of oral ministerial questions, currently due to take place on December 15, to a date that meets the satisfaction of members.

The process of oral questions will ensure that members can raise concerns across numerous issues within the parameters of normal parliamentary procedures.

Helen McEntee TD

Minister for Justice