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TANNAISTE Leo Varadkar warned TDs and Fine Gael senators to avoid commenting on the controversy surrounding Supreme Court Justice Seamus Woulfe.
It came at a private party meeting where Varadkar gave a short update on the crisis telling his colleagues that party leaders will meet to discuss the matter on Friday.
Chief Justice Frank Clarke told Woulfe that the consequences of his attendance at the now Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Galway have damaged the Supreme Court and that he himself is of the opinion that he should resign.
Woulfe has said that he would accept sanctions such as giving up his salary for three months, but has come to the conclusion that he should not resign.
On Tuesday, the Attorney General told Cabinet that “serious constitutional problems” arise from the impasse.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl yesterday warned all TDs that ultimately they may have to rule on the matter in accordance with the Constitution, legislation and Regulations.
He said that this must conform to the “basic principles of fairness of procedures and the requirements of natural and constitutional justice.”
“Therefore, it is essential that the deputies do not comment on the matter, neither in the plenary session of the House nor in any other place, so that it can give rise to a perception of partiality because this could act as a serious impediment to their ability to perform its important constitutional functions, if required, in the future. “
Separately, the Fine Gael meeting agreed to seek discussions between Dáil and Seanad on reopening the country since the Level 5 lockdown.
The current tough restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic should last until December 1.
Former Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy said the party should ask for time to make a statement or hold a discussion on planning for the period after the Level 5 restrictions are lifted.
His motion at the parliamentary party meeting suggested that it would provide an opportunity for TDs and senators to come up with ideas for the next phase of handling the pandemic.
It is requested that the debate take place as soon as possible and the proposal was unanimously agreed by those attending the meeting.
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