Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 93:

In page 39, lines 15 and 16, to delete subsection (2), and substitute the following subsection:

"(2) Where the Ombudsman office is vacant or becomes vacant, applications to fill the vacancy shall be——

(a) advertised within and outside the State,

(b) encouraged from persons outside the State.".

It is would enhance the independence and standing of the commission if competition for vacancies was open to persons outside the State. A person eminently suited to a position on the commission might not be from the State.