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

I acknowledge the advance the Bill brings about. That said, for most positions or most jobs - I give the example of a school and I have been in many interview processes - there is a metric on which to score people’s various qualifications, abilities and experience. All of that is taken into account and I expect some mechanism would have to be put in place in respect of this process also. In that context, if a metric is put in place and there is some system in place, it would be appropriate that that would be used and would at least be available to the Minister for the three names that go forward. In that context, this is appropriate. It does not remove the ability of the Minister to choose a different person from the three or other number of names that are put forward, given it may be three for one position or five for two positions, or otherwise. I think it is appropriate that this means of scoring is clear and is made available to the Minister of the day.