Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has to understand the nature of the animal we are creating, the commission, will very much depend on the kind of person appointed to it. The nature of the kind of person who will look for appointment to it and who will be suitable for appointment very much depends on the commitment that will be expected from him or her. We know that the role is to be part-time, but "part-time" can have very different implications. A role can be part-time in the sense that it does not attract a full-time salary. As we all know, membership of the Seanad is a part-time function, but some of us know better than others.