David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree. It seems to me to be quite extraordinary that one should disqualify from the appointments committee the very people who have personal and direct experience and knowledge of the situation. That seems to be absolutely 100% daft.

The House is in the debt of Senator McDowell for his magisterial illustration of the genesis of this legislation in a personal animusfrom one person. The idea of putting a lay majority on the nominating body for judges, to which the majority of the Opposition in the Dáil disagreed, is quite extraordinary and is breathtaking.

I beg your pardon, Minister?