Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would make one point in response to Deputy Daly. We can come back to this because it is important. On the matter of diversity, it is easy-reach targets. There are areas which have been referred to where there will be a difficulty in setting particular targets but there is no doubt that there is a compelling constitutional rationale and objective to have diversity in the Judiciary. This is well documented in public commentary but it is not something that can be laid down and done in a prescriptive way within a clearly defined timeframe. What we have done in the Bill is laid down clearly, through the two-pronged approach, at selection stage and at design stage. That is in section 7 on merit and section 55(5).