Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Ceann Comhairle has been very clear that it is not appropriate for me to discuss criteria here. I have already explained that there is no list or boxes that I am given to tick. The Deputy is suggesting that this was a huge decision to make. Upon being appointed Minister for Justice, one immediately has a number of huge decisions to make. I take my role and my job as Minister for Justice very seriously and I very seriously considered every single name that was put before me before making a recommendation, which was then agreed by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan and the Attoney General and subsequently by Cabinet. It is the prerogative of Cabinet to reject or not approve a name and, again, that did not happen in this instance.

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