Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Having said all of that, as far as I am concerned, the distinction between section 44 appointments as currently envisaged and other appointments is not valid for the reasons that I have explained. The only distinction I see is between serving members of the superior courts at all three levels who are ex officioqualified to function in the upper two courts and there should be no involvement of any other agency except the Government in making a decision as to which of them should be appointed.