Irish Supreme Court hears appeal against super junior ministers at Cabinet

The Irish Supreme Court has begun hearing an appeal brought by two Opposition politicians against the presence of super junior ministers at Cabinet meetings. According to independent.ie, the Irish Independent, and RTÉ News, the legal challenge contends that the practice violates the Constitution of Ireland. [1][4][10]

The appeal was brought by Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly, who represents Kerry, and People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, who represents Dublin South West. The Irish Times and RTÉ News reported that the two politicians argued that only Government ministers can attend Cabinet meetings, and that allowing super junior ministers to attend breaches Cabinet confidentiality and represents an arrogation of power. [3][4]

The legal challenge comes after a three-judge High Court dismissed the claims in December, ruling that there was no constitutional breach. The Irish Times and RTÉ News reported that the High Court dismissed the challenge before granting the two politicians leave to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. [3][4]

The hearing of the appeal opened on Wednesday in the Supreme Court. The Irish Times, RTÉ News, and the Belfast Telegraph reported on the opening arguments, which center on the constitutionality and influence of non-Cabinet ministers participating in government meetings. [3][4][9]