Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I will deal with the issues raised in particular by Deputies Chambers and O'Callaghan. I acknowledge what Deputy O'Callaghan said in his concluding comments. I reiterate that the procedures committee has a very important role not only in section 58 as mentioned by Deputy O'Callaghan, but also under section 55, which is important as far as the preparation of statements setting out the selection process and procedures is concerned. It also covers a statement of the appropriate level of attributes and skills. I would not like the committee to be of the view that there is not much to be done here, that there are as many committee as there are appointments and that it is too cumbersome. There are hundreds of applications annually. I look in particular at the number of applications to the judicial appointments board where there is a District or Circuit Court vacancy. There is a huge amount of work to undertake. There will be hundreds of applications. Having a sub-committee of the procedures committee will ensure that the work is done effectively and efficiently. I see every reason that it is important to provide an option to have a smaller group in the form of a committee to look at these issues. Therefore, I am not minded to accept amendments which would delete all reference to the procedures committee because we need one.