Pa Daly TD welcomes date being set for full hearing of his challenge against government’s Super Junior appointments

Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly has welcomed the decision of the President of the High Court, Mr Justice David Barniville, to grant a full hearing and schedule his case against the government’s appointment of Super Junior Ministers to cabinet.

Deputy Daly said the government had unlawfully expanded the cabinet to 19 members through the backdoor, despite the constitution clearly limiting cabinet membership to 15.

He stressed the urgent need for legal clarity on this issue.

Mr Justice Barniville has fixed a hearing date for July 7th.

Speaking today, Teachta Daly said:

“Today the High Court has fixed a date for the Hearing of my case against the government in relation to its appointment of ‘Super Junior’ Ministers to cabinet. This is welcome news. The government has effectively increased the cabinet to 19 by the backdoor, even though Bunreacht na h-Éireann clearly states that it cannot exceed 15 members.

“I am challenging this government decision. It is my firm view that this approach breaches the constitution. It is crucial that we obtain legal clarity on this once and for all.

“I welcome the fact that the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Barniville, has granted a full hearing and fixed a date for the case to proceed.

“This is a very significant step forward. I look forward to the hearing and to establish clarity on what I believe is an unconstitutional action by this government.”