Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 10 in the name of Senator McDowell would have the effect of adjusting the reference in section 7(1) that a decision to recommend a person for appointment to judicial office shall be based on merit alone. In amendment No. 11, Senator Ruane wishes to remove the term "to the extent feasible and practicable" from section 7(2)(b). We discussed these issues under amendment No. 3 earlier. Section 7, on making the recommendation on merit, states that regard shall be had to the objective that the membership of the Judiciary should, to the extent feasible and practicable, reflect the diversity within the population as a whole. I am not sure the specific term takes away anything from the objective of what the commission must have regard to. I do not share the Senator's concern, and I am not prepared to accept the amendment on that basis. I do not agree that the term detracts from the objective of the commission. I will deal with amendments Nos. 80 to 83, inclusive. Is Senator McDowell moving amendment No. 80?