Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge what Deputy Ó Laoghaire and others have said. I have given the matter consideration. It is one that requires further consideration, but I am not sure that the immediate result of any further reflection might give rise to the amendment being accepted now.

I note an important point that Deputy O'Callaghan makes with reference to the possibility of dispensing with the requirement to have the legal practical experience in respect of the appeal courts. It is a reasonable point but I am not sure the extent to which that change would be required immediately. It is something that we would look to in the medium term. I am not minded to change in the context of this legislation but it is something important we would keep under review. The reasonable comments of Deputies on the other side would play an important role in feeding into that review which may take place on this legislation once enacted.

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