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

I reassure the Deputy that bringing forward legislation to establish a new commission to replace the JAAB is a commitment of the programme for Government. I have committed to doing this as quickly as possible. It is important that we have a very clear process and that people understand it. I have just outlined the current process. I have adhered to that process at every stage of the six appointments that have been made since I became Minister, but it needs reform. As the Deputy said, there has been a lengthy debate in recent years. I hope the debate will not be of similar length when I introduce new legislation. It is important that we pass it as quickly as possible, but people must have confidence in this process. I assure the House that a process has been adhered to in appointments in recent years. Everybody who has been appointed has done their job well. That is reflected in the work of our courts.

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