Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is an astonishing provision. If one thought that this is just a little aberration, then one must look at section 49. We will come to the latter in the fullness of time but it states, "Within 30 days after the end of each year, the Minister shall cause to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas a statement of appointments to judicial office made by the President during the previous year".