Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 21:

In page 34, to delete lines 4 to 6 and substitute the following:

“(5) The Commission shall, at the same time as making a recommendation, or informing the Minister that it cannot make a recommendation, under this section forward the name of each person who made an application in respect of the vacancy concerned, with the names ranked according to the Commission’s opinion on their suitability for appointment under section 46.”.

Amendment No. 21 is in regard to the ranking of the names coming forward. As we know, three names are to be brought forward and we feel it would be appropriate to have a ranking as to which is the most appropriate candidate, as well as the second and the third. This would put more emphasis on the commission making a recommendation to Government, which would be more effective in ensuring the person the commission felt was the best person is selected. If the Minister chooses one of the people who was not the number one recommendation, there would at least be a need to put forward the reason why that might be the case. I feel it is appropriate that this happens.