Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and I am forming the view that he spends more time here than some Senators.

The point made by Senator David Cullinane in support of his amendment is compelling. One individual should make a decision based on the best possible advice, as opposed to a commission of three, which leads to a majority decision. Senator Bacik said that it was a unanimous recommendation of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, of which I am a member.I find it bizarre that the Government has not accepted such a sensible recommendation. Best practice, certainly with our counterparts in Northern Ireland, is at the top of the chain with best possible advice but somebody, ultimately, must make a decision. I cannot see why it is necessary to have a three-person commission or ombudsmen to make a decision. A single individual should make the decisions. I am at a loss to know why it is necessary to have three persons. I would like welcome the Minister's thoughts on the matter.