Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman and members. I welcome the commencement of the Committee Stage debate on this important piece of legislation, the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017. Let me emphasise that this major piece of legislation arises from public consultations in 2014 on the widespread appreciation of the necessity to reform the system for the appointment of members of the Judiciary.

The Judicial Appointments Advisory Board has served the country well. I acknowledge the excellence of the Judiciary, which enjoys a very high degree of public confidence. The programme for Government commits to a new Judicial Appointments Commission, with an independent Chairman and a non-legal majority.

That is what is delivered in the Bill. I will be in listening mode today. I will table no amendments on behalf of the Government on this Stage. I will not agree any amendment that cuts across the basic tenets of the commitment in the programme for Government. However, I have not come here with a closed mind. I certainly do not have a closed mind as regards a number of the issues covered by the amendments. I express my appreciation for the work that the Deputies have done in recent weeks and their diligent and significant efforts in arriving at a programme of almost 200 amendments. The matters covered by the amendments show a diversity in thinking and highlight a number of policy differences that we no doubt will debate in some detail today. I thank the Chairman for convening the meeting and I look forward to debating the amendments with members.