Government Statement

The Government considered the correspondence between the Chief Justice and Mr Justice Woulfe which was published yesterday.

The Attorney General outlined the serious constitutional issues that now arise and the respective responsibilities of each of the organs of the State as set out in the Constitution, including in particular the respective roles of the Judiciary and of the Oireachtas.

The Members of the Government, who are also Members of the Oireachtas, are acutely aware of the sensitivity and seriousness of the issues and the need to ensure that the constitutional framework is fully respected by all concerned. This includes avoiding inappropriate public comment.

The Government agreed that it will continue to reflect on these issues.