Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

No, it is directed at everyone, Minister, you included, if it applies.

The meeting has been convened to resume our consideration of Committee Stage of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017. I welcome the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, and his officials to the meeting.

We were about to consider amendment No. 49 when we adjourned on the last occasion. I believe we inadvertently skipped over an earlier grouping that includes this amendment. However, the first amendment in that section was not moved as the member was not present. The grouping is reconstituted, therefore, with amendments Nos. 49 to 68, inclusive, 70, 71 and 173.

I am uncertain whether this is the third or fourth session on this Bill. It is creating significant concern for me given the build-up of legislation on other matters that we must address. I am appealing to members – the Minister included – that we expedite the processing of the remainder of the amendments today to, hopefully, conclude Committee Stage before we complete today's session.

I will invite Deputy O'Callaghan to address us on amendment No. 49, which is the first in the grouping.