Supreme Court hears challenge to junior ministers attending cabinet meetings

An appeal before the Supreme Court challenges the practice of allowing super junior ministers to attend Cabinet meetings and participate in government decisions. Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly and People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy contend that the Constitution limits the government to between seven and fifteen members, and that the inclusion of four junior ministers violates this rule and compromises meeting confidentiality and expense rules.

The High Court, led by Justice David Barniville, had rejected their case in full last December. Representing Daly, barrister Feichín McDonagh argued that while the Taoiseach may invite junior ministers, they have no entitlement to influence decisions and that the invitation can be withdrawn at any time. He highlighted the distinction between briefing officials and allowing them to shape consensus.

The judges probed the difference between permissible discussion and unconstitutional decision-making involving non-ministers. The outcome will determine whether one outlet practice stands or must be halted.