David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have no problem with diversity in the Judiciary. However, probably more significant in terms of the judgments delivered and the appearance of equity in the courts would be to make clear that there should be representation from the less advantaged social groups in society. In my view, having spent a number of years, for one reason or another, viewing proceedings in the District Court, is that there very often was a clear sense, as far as I was concerned, of class justice.

I question the grammar of amendment No. 86 which reads: "In page 28, line 22, after "persons," to insert "at least one of whom must be of each gender"." That line seems unnecessarily to favour bisexuality or gender fluidity. I wonder if it could be rearranged some way because one person having to be of each gender would be a little bit awkward in the fitting of the gowns and matters like that.

With regard to the question of ranked recommendations, I am not as enthusiastic about it as my colleague, Senator Bacik. When names are ranked as one, two and three the natural presumption is that number one is the favourite, number two is the second favourite and number three is the third choice.It seems to me to be a further attempt to tie the Government's hands. I am not against it but I have that hesitation. We should leave sufficient scope for the Government to make up its own mind on this but I will be supporting all of these amendments and I really hope we have votes on each and every one of them in the interests of democracy.