Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I should mention to Senator Norris, to satisfy his curiosity, that I believe all members of the commission should be equal in the discharge of their functions. On reflection, I do not think it is really a good idea to disable some of them from making particular decisions on the basis of their status as laypersons. During our consideration of these amendments, we have yet to come to the question of whether those laypersons should be in a majority or a minority on the commission. I expressed doubts earlier about the kind of person who would want to be on this commission in general. If the amendment in question were agreed, I think the lay members would be on the commission in a token role. Having reflected on the matter and having spoken to Senator Boyhan about it, I do not think it is a good idea to have a two-tier membership. That is why I intend to withdraw the amendment.