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

Amendment No. 31 is required to facilitate amendment No. 50. I want to respond to Deputy O'Callaghan who thinks it is a bit complicated. I think the amendment is quite simple and straightforward. It is based on the premise that it will not be possible to identify all the organisations that would have an interest in this. While it looks complicated legislatively, ultimately it is a simple process where a short list exists of organisations that would be relevant and would have an interest in it.

They would be in a position to make nominations in a much more direct way than in the traditional Public Appointments Service process. Three members of the commission could be selected in that way. It would be relatively straightforward and also facilitate a wide number of organisations without having to name them.

While I support the principle of amendment No. 30, I do not think I can support it at this stage until we see the composition of the commission. I would not like to see the Bill proceed through Committee Stage without making sure there would be a lay majority. I would rather see the issue of the Presidents of the Circuit Court and the District Court resolved on Report Stage.