David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The scheme of the new Bill takes full account of the essential constitutional tenet that the appointment of judges is a decision of the Government in the exercise of its executive role, albeit that the actual appointment is undertaken by the President on the advice of the Government. I am aware that the judicial appointments review committee, which is a committee of senior judges, submitted its views on this scheme recently. I understand the Tánaiste intends to meet representatives of the committee soon to discuss the matter further. This might help. I thank the Senator again for bringing this very important matter to the floor of the House today.