Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, it would be wrong to ask the Minister to predict what Sinn Féin will do. Senator Warfield is present, but he may be keeping his cards close to his chest on this issue. If it is the case that Sinn Féin disapproves of the small committee operating under section 44 and sticks to the position that it should be the commission in its entirety, it is quite possible that this House will not pass the Minister's proposed amendment, depending on how reasonable it is and how other Members, apart from those in Sinn Féin, view it. In that context, it would be an advantage to know the substance of the Minister's proposed amendment to section 44 as soon as he and the Government agree on the kind of amendment to be tabled. In the meantime, we are dealing section 44 as it stands. We are dealing with the commission in having a role in the appointment of the Chief Justice, a proposition to which I am utterly opposed. In the circumstances, the amendment should be made.