Mr. James Cahill:

The director general may want to add to what I have to say. Our view with regard to legal academics is geared towards the higher courts such as the Supreme Court, for example, where very precise legal issues are dealt with at a much more detailed and in-depth level than would occur in local courts day to day. The issue of practice by an academic for four years in the general scheme of things could include a need to demonstrate an appropriate knowledge and experience of the decisions and practices before being considered for appointment. The notion of academics having to cease work in a university, take out a practising certificate and then develop a business for four years in the Bar or the solicitors' profession would damage their capacity as academics to move then to one of the higher courts. Ms Keane may want to add to what I have said.