Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will withdraw the word "regularise" if it implies an irregularity regarding the current method. I do not mean that it is irregular but it is informal. I will substitute "formalise" for "regularise" if Senator McDowell is of the view that I am in some way disparaging of the current methods. It is important to formalise the process and that is what we are doing here. I do not intend to accept these amendments because they go against the spirit of formalising the new structures. That is important. It is also appropriate that sitting members of the Judiciary are encompassed under the new legislation precisely because the nature of the informality could well give rise to a perception that matters are less than transparent.

At an earlier stage I made reference to the fact that there was a large measure of consultation and that judges themselves participated in the process. I would be happy to drop a note to Senator McDowell on that. I do not have the immediate reference here but not only was there consultation but a submission was received, the detail of which I would be happy to convey to the Senator.