Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to respond to Deputy O'Callaghan's amendments. The point was well made by Deputy Brophy. Whatever about the 15 year bar, with the amendment as currently drafted it would be possible for a person to leave the legal profession on Monday and be deemed a lay member on Tuesday. I believe this is problematic. While I am not necessarily convinced, I am open to the idea of revising the 15 year limit downwards. I would consider that, if such an amendment was tabled. The possibility that a person could immediately be deemed a lay person is wrong and I do not think it works.

I very much support the principle and the ideas behind Deputy Daly's amendment. I have tabled similar amendments such as amendment No. 50. Even though I have not named them specifically, FLAC, the ICCL and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission are the type of organisations I have in mind. It is important that we strive to have organisations with their perspective and expertise reflected and represented among the lay people on the commission.