The Secretary for Justice is committed to maintaining the rule of law and safeguarding public interest in the foreign domestic helpers appeals cases, according to a statement the Department of Justice issued in response to a Bar Association statement issued today.

If the court finds it necessary, the Government and Secretary for Justice will render assistance the court may require on all relevant issues concerning Article 158(3) of the Basic Law in the appeals.

As the association acknowledged, the question of whether to make reference under Article 158(3) of the Basic Law in the appeals is a legal question. The court will address the legal question at the appeals hearing under established legal principles. 

As the appeals will soon be heard before the court, it is not appropriate for the Government to discuss the issues at this stage.