Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I move amendment No. 69:

In page 29, lines 6 and 7, to delete "a solicitor, a barrister" and substitute "a practising solicitor, a practising barrister".

We are fine-tuning the Bill. A series of amendments follow from this proposed amendment. Someone who is earning his or her livelihood as a solicitor or barrister can participate in this, but the tendency may be to have retired people fulfil this function. Former judges are acceptable because they are used to adjudicating. In an appeal process, where one faces the threat of losing a licence to work, one may end up in court as a consequence. We must have people from the first division. The inclusion of "practising" is a loose definition. This is a serious process and if one loses an appeal to hold an operating licence the next step will be the courts. We should ensure the appeal process is rigorous in respect of current law rather than the law when the solicitor or barrister retired. This general point refers to all these amendments.

See this speech in context