Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the Bill. I believe it is a modern, progressive proposal. I would like to see its passage take place as quickly as possible. I would find it regrettable if any efforts were made to hold up this important legislation for either party political or personal reasons. As legislators, we have a duty to the people who put us in this House to ensure that this very important legislation is facilitated in every way possible and pushed forward.

I will mention one or two minor aspects of the Bill. I very much welcome the notion of having a lay majority and a lay chair. It is the modern way of looking at appointments in any area. It stretches credulity to believe it is not possible to find somebody in the entire country who could chair such a group. We have an opportunity now to bring the process of judicial appointments into the 21st century. The Bill is balanced and fair. We should do everything, as legislators, to ensure its speedy passage through the House.

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