Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I respect what the Minister of State has said, I profoundly disagree with her statement that there would a perception of a political decision if the Minister of the day accepted a recommendation from the Public Appointments Service of a person for appointment to the post of director. It would not be, given that it would come from the Public Appointments Service. This is how it should be and how the Minister of State would want it. If it is under the Courts Service, it is part of an existing bureaucracy. One could argue about whether it is an enlightened or unenlightened bureaucracy. I cannot comment on it. It should be separate from the Courts Service which has a separate statutory role. It must be independent of the Courts Service and I see no reason to change my mind. I accept the importance of the legislation and this is a key part of it. I will not press my amendment, notwithstanding my disagreement with the Department on it. I disagree with the Minister of State and the advice she has received.

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