Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take that as a statement of intent on the part of the Senator that he wants to be in the Dáil at the earliest opportunity to exercise his power to support the repeal of the legislation. In the meantime, I have to say again that this is an important pillar of Government policy. Without repeating issues to which reference has been made by me and others, it is anticipated that the position of director will be at principal officer - higher - level. A small staff is envisaged. The reason for the lower estimate at this point in the debate than that initially given is the Bill was amended considerably in the course of its passage through the Lower House, with particular reference to the removal of a number of committees. I will repeat that, as far as the comparison between the new commission and the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board is concerned, we are not really comparing like with like. The staffing costs of the JAAB are estimated to be in the region of €50,000 per year, but much of its budget comes directly within the Courts Service Vote. In this case, the commission's budget will come within the general justice Vote.

On staff numbers, the issues of contracts for staff and whether they will be part-time or full-time will be determined by the commission as envisaged under section 30(4). It is not really possible for me at this stage to be prescriptive in the actual operational cost down to the last euro. I cannot say for certain where the office premises will be located or how much they will cost, but I point to similar bodies set up under enactments of the Oireachtas in recent years. I refer, in particular, to the Legal Services Regulatory Authority. I also note the importance of the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, particularly in respect of the terms and conditions of service of a member of staff and the need to ensure staff costs in this body will be similar to those in other public service bodies.