Checks and balances in our democracy

Sir, – Eddie Molloy is of the view that because the public service avoids its responsibilities, this has led to a “deep flaw in our Republic”. He also describes individual public servants as “institutions of the State” engaged in a potential cover-up of certain crimes (Letters, July 20th).

In a democracy like ours, those institutions are not individuals but specifically the legislature, executive and judiciary.

The laws passed by the legislature/Oireachtas are implemented by the executive/government with the assistance of a public administration. If an individual public servant deviates from legal principles, public policy or the Constitution, they are not immune from a response from within the judicial system, including the prosecution services and the courts.

If there is a “flaw”, it is because the checks and balances within our system are not working and, in some cases, the State institutions have chosen to prioritise their individual competencies rather than the common good. – Yours, etc,