David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It seems to me it is very plain where it states, "nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as being applicable to a judicial office to which section 44 applies". That rules out a whole series of the most senior judicial offices of the State. This is a grotesque inconsistency.

With regard for section 44, I note the Minister gives himself the power to request the commission to seek expressions of interest on the part of eligible persons. The Minister objected to an earlier amendment which did exactly the same thing. The Minister is in favour of expressions of interest in one section but against it in another. It is inconsistent.