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

I wanted to ensure that we would not be precluded from speaking on amendment No. 110 when we get to it.

I would like to deal initially with Senator Noone's points regarding lay members. The stipulation of "lay" is not in any way intended to cast any aspersions on persons in the legal profession. The Bill provides for both to be represented on the commission. The objective is to achieve a balance in the membership of the commission as between those who have excellent expertise, skills and experience in law and those who have excellent experience, skills and expertise in areas other than law.