Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister back to the House. Amendment No. 86c was under discussion when the debate was adjourned on the last occasion. It provides that no provision of the Act "limits or inhibits the right of the Government, or of the Minister or the Attorney General acting on the authority of the Government, to communicate with a person eligible for appointment to any judicial office with a view to establishing whether that person is willing to accept an appointment to such judicial office by the President acting on the advice of the Government."

We spoke on the last occasion at some length about whether this was, to use a phrase to which I object, "reverse canvassing". I inquire of the Minister whether he thinks that any provision of the Bill will inhibit the Minister for Justice and Equality or the Attorney General acting on behalf of the Government to communicate with the person with a view to establishing whether that person is willing to accept an appointment to judicial office by the President acting on the advice of the Government. Is he willing to accept that amendment and, if not, will he tell us why?