Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am concerned that the tightening of the text might result in matters being somewhat more unduly restrictive and I am not sure that is the point the Senator makes. If that is the result, I would be concerned. If it is not the result, my inclination is to accept it but I would not wish there to be an unintended consequence of restriction.

In respect of amendment No. 77, Senator Bacik wishes to delete the reference to King's Inns and the Law Society from the meaning of "educational establishment", which would restrict the meaning to a university in the ordinary sense, if I may use the word "ordinary" in the presence of Senator Norris. In any event, I am not really certain that this is any advance at all. I have doubts about the necessity or desirability of limiting or restricting on the basis that I do not see a reason that membership of the academic staff of the King's Inns or the Law Society would not amount to a qualification of a person.