Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the position set out by Senator Barrett. Given that the legal and judicial systems are, by and large, closely connected to the common law system, including the British system, perhaps the Minister will reflect on the provision that excludes persons from England, Northern Ireland or Wales from membership of the authority before Report Stage.While I will not push it any further, there is merit in what Senator Barrett has said. It is only an academic point really, but section 10(2) provides that a person who is appointed to the authority as a lay member shall cease to hold office where he or she ceases to be a layperson. Does that include a person who has an honorary doctorate in law or does it refer to a person who has entered one or other of the legal professions? How does one cease to be a layperson for the purposes of the legislation?