Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Members will, in the first instance, be identified using professional polling techniques by an independent polling company. The electoral register will then be used to verify them and they will have an option to decline the offer because it does not suit everyone to get involved in this work. They will have an opportunity to decline if they wish and I agree with Senator Bradford on that. It is not like jury service. One can decline this historic opportunity if one wishes.

The procedure to select the public members will be overseen by an independent chair and he or she will be from outside the political realm. Senators Mooney and Walsh have no need to worry about people being guided in a particular direction.