Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The objective of these commissions is to require a whole range of other professional people, such as accountants. One does not need solicitors and barristers for much of this stuff anyway. When I read this last night at 11.30 p.m. with my Horlicks in one hand and the legislation in the other, I had to ask why there was a special reference to them at all. It is clear that if one appoints persons with the relevant qualifications and experience they may well be barristers. They may be household decorators for all I care. However, the notion must be challenged that the only people who can give expert advice and have qualifications are barristers and solicitors. That is nonsense. There are people in the Civil Service with vast qualifications who are more qualified than many at the Bar. They could do a much better job in terms of investigation, assistance and advice. This allows me to make the prejudicial comments I have just made and I apologise to the Minister of State in that regard. The reference to barristers and solicitors in this provision is completely out of context.