Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sure we will. It goes on:

(9) The Commission may, out of the resources at its disposal, pay to a person, consultant or adviser referred to in subsection (7) such fees (if any) or allowances for expenses (if any) as the Commission may, with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, determine.

(10) The appointment of a person as a consultant or adviser shall be for such period and, subject to subsection (9), be on such terms and conditions as the Commission

considers appropriate.

What is wrong with all of this? We are establishing a body and going to inordinate lengths to ensure the majority of that body is made up of lay people, including the chairperson, but we then say the commission is entitled to enter into a contract or arrangement with any person or, with the consent of the Minister, to appoint a consultant or adviser who can adopt the function of advising and assisting the commission in its consideration of applicants at a preliminary stage in the course of the selection procedures. Absolutely no limitation is put on who can serve as a person, consultant or adviser. They could be lawyers, accountants, psychologists or psychiatrists.