Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise. As I was saying, the Judiciary in this State has served us well. This may be a philosophical question or observation but, if the Judiciary has served us well, then the manner in which judges are appointed, which has evolved substantially and which will evolve further, cannot be all bad. It appears to me that an attempt is being made to reduce the influence of elected representatives and Government in the appointment of the Judiciary and, in so doing, to cede to others including, in many respects, vested interests greater influence over the appointment of the Judiciary. It is a point worth making. It is also worth asking whether our guests accept that we have been served well by our Judiciary.

There is much talk about the requirement for diversity. The legal profession is not exactly a bastion of diversity. I do not want to go down the road of saying it is male, pale and stale, but it certainly might be pale and stale. While we have moved far beyond the requirement for diversity in terms of gender balance, there is a far greater challenge in reflecting the diversity of the modern Ireland of today, a challenge we need to embrace.

Is the legal service fit for purpose to lecture us on diversity given that the professional is not exactly a bastion of diversity? I acknowledge the Vice Chairman's expertise and academic publications in this area.