Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I have substantially addressed the reasons for my opposition to the amendment to amendment No. 23. As I stated, the proposed paragraph 17 enables the chairperson to issue guidelines and guidance notes on aspects of the work of the tribunal. This will assist with the efficient functioning of the tribunal and will be an important aid to the work of the various members of the tribunal, practitioners representing asylum applicants and staff both of the tribunal and the Refugee Appeals Commissioner in enhancing the clarity and certainty of the appeals process on a procedural and functional level.