Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The only issue the Senator raised that is of relevance to the amendment was whether, under this proposal, we will inevitably and forever more have two additional members of the Supreme Court. The amendment allows for the appointment of an initial two members to the Supreme Court. If, some years from now, it transpires that the backlog issues have been resolved - the new court of appeal will inevitably reduce the number of appeals that go before the Supreme Court - it will be for a future Government to take a decision on whether it is necessary to appoint the full quota of judges to the Supreme Court, as allowed in the amendment, or whether a reduced number will be appointed. I expect it will take some time to deal with the backlog issues. This is a separate issue but it is appropriate that a facility is put in place to appoint the additional two judges now.

The other issue the Senator raises does not arise under this Bill. I am aware of his concerns about the matter and I will follow them up further.