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

The Deputy has outlined the position that the then Minister gave on Committee Stage. The position has not changed. My understanding is that, under the relevant provision, an appointed judge may conduct the inquiry in the manner he or she believes is proper and will have the powers, rights and privileges vested in a judge of the High Court. It is expressly stated that the judge will be a judge of a superior court, meaning the High Court, the Court of Appeal or higher. The Attorney General has advised that he believes that the powers are appropriate in this context and there is no need for the express powers outlined in this amendment, as they are already available to the judge appointed in this instance.

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