Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The normal circumstances occurred in so far as a memorandum was brought to Government by the Minister for Justice and Equality, as has been the case previously. The Government is entitled to nominate a person of its choosing provided two conditions are met, namely, that the person is eligible and available in accordance with the law and that the person is qualified. The matter was given appropriate consideration in accordance with the law. As I stated in response to Deputies' questions, under the strict rules of Cabinet confidentiality, it is not possible for me to enter into any discussion of any form of the detail other than to assure members that the appointment took place fully in accordance with the law.