SEANAD REPORT:IT WAS not acceptable that a Fianna Fáil member had refused to withdraw a disgraceful remark about chairmen of tribunals, Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael leader in the House, said.
She noted that Jim Walsh had spoken of the chairmen of some tribunals using their position to act more or less as shop stewards for the wealthy legal profession.
This comment cast a slur on the motivation, integrity and honesty of members of the judiciary in carrying out their duties in the public interest.
The reputation of the House had been damaged by what had been said. Any effort to undermine the work of the tribunals was unacceptable and inappropriate. Ms Fitzgerald proposed the taking of a motion that the House distance itself from Mr Walsh's comments.
Cathaoirleach Pat Moylan ruled that the motion was not in order as it had not been notified in writing. He had dealt with a disorderly remark on Tuesday last and he was not allowing further discussion on the matter.
However, he wanted to put on the record that the independence of the courts was enshrined in the Constitution, as was the role of the Oireachtas, and it was his duty to ensure that the separation of powers was respected. He said that he would appeal to members to think twice before making sweeping statements in the House.
Ms Fitzgerald said that in view of the seriousness of the situation it was imperative that the House show its displeasure at what had happened.
Joe O'Toole (Ind) said that while he was happy to have the taking of the motion deferred until today, he fully supported the points made by Ms Fitzgerald.
David Norris (Ind) said he had been reported as saying that Senator Ciarán Cannon had supported what Mr Walsh had said. He had, in fact, referred to a comment by Senator Peter Callanan (FF).