Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----is not appropriate. I understand that serving judges are assessed in other jurisdictions for promotion. I have already mentioned at an earlier Stage the situation in the neighbouring island, both in Wales and in Scotland. I would be happy to address the point by way of sending a note to Senator McDowell with a particular reference to the point that he makes, not about suggesting names for appointment but suggesting names for what we can describe as elevation or promotion from one rank of the Bench to another. I reject the term "vetting" which, in the circumstances, I do not believe to be appropriate.

Senator McDowell is right when he says that currently the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board does not vet the suitability of candidates for the High Court, Court of Appeal or, indeed, the Supreme Court.