Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is a courts Bill which deals with appointments. There is no logical reason not to accept the amendment as it would improve the legislation. There is time left in the legislative programme to allow an amended Bill to pass through the Dáil. This is a simple, straightforward amendment and there is no reason to put off addressing the issue until a full, ongoing review has been completed. When will the review be concluded? The Minister of State agreed with the thrust of the amendment, which is welcome.When will the review be completed? To what commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government is the Minister of State referring? Doing what is proposed would improve the legislation. We all agree the current arrangement should not apply. As Senator Wilson outlined in the amendment, "A judge of the District Court who has served as such a judge for a period of not less than 2 years shall be qualified for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal or the High Court". It makes absolute sense and the amendment should be accepted. I am interested in hearing the Minister of State's response.