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

They are but the Attorney General is not a member of Government; the Attorney General advises Government. I am not sure it should be a disadvantage to a person that they have taken on quite a significant and busy role. They would then be at a disadvantage having done that and having served not just the Government but the country in general. I am not sure that putting them at a disadvantage as opposed to other members of the commission is the right thing to do. The commission is independent and will set the criteria. There will be an interview process. There will be a very clear process that absolutely every individual right from the Chief Justice to any potential Attorney General, solicitor, barrister or other will have to go through. Individuals will be put forward on merit, taking into account the need for diversity, proficiency in the Irish language and gender balance as well.

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