The controversial Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, which has been the subject of 125 hours of debate in the Seanad has been passed in the Seanad by 25 votes to 23.

The Government yesterday (Wednesday) forced a guillotine – preventing any further debate in the Upper House.

60 amendments

But the bill to reform how judges are appointed will now return to the Dáil for debate on up to 60 amendments.

Tabled by Minister for Transport Shane Ross (pictured), the bill will establish a Judicial Council with a lay chair to select judges for appointment.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan attended the Seanad to hear amendments from senators. 

'Unconstitutional'

Independent senator and former justice minister Michael McDowell told the Seanad that the bill was unconstitutional.

'Gross waste'

He introduced an amendment to limit expenditure on the new body and described the bill as “a gross waste of taxpayers’ money”. 

Independent Senator David Norris said that, “in these days of fiscal prudence, it seemed incongruous to have a cost of €500,000 per year for an appointments body.

He proposed a cap of €300,000 on expenditure. 

Justice minister Charlie Flanagan told the Seanad he had given due and careful consideration to the matters raised in the Seanad.