Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are many matters that relate to amendments Nos. 84 and 85 in my name. For example, we have tried to create a bit of balance by saying it should not be obligatory to have a lay chair. We have proposed having six legal members, six lay members and the Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, who is a hybrid of the two. He or she is selected by the Public Appointments Service. That may allow a certain amount of Government influence but it is probably the most independent body in the country, has a say on its own budget and cannot be removed by the Government. The Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission would be a very strong person to have on the committee and having six lay people and six legal professionals to make up the 13-----