Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Minister in one respect, namely, that this is the logic of the positions he has successively adopted in the course of the Second Stage debate and the Committee Stage debate. This is the logic of his position but it must be clearly understood. If this Bill goes to the Supreme Court under Article 26 of the Constitution, it must be clear what the Minister intends, in case someone suggests that this is a fanciful construction of the Bill. The purpose of the Bill here is to prevent the Government from knowing the eligible and willing members of the Judiciary who are free to act up as temporary members of the courts on a daily basis. We are being told now, very clearly and explicitly, that if -----