David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I still think it is important to consider this. It states: "Section 45 requires the relevant committee, in respect of each name that it recommends for appointment to judicial office, and also in respect of each name of an eligible applicant that it cannot recommend, to provide the Minister with particulars of the person’s education, professional qualifications, experience and character, and where applicable, the results of interviews or tests conducted by the relevant committee." That is very significantly greater and much wider in scope that what the Minister suggested. I am not for one minute suggesting that the Minister is misinforming or misleading the House but there does seem to be a contradiction there. A large number of items are set out there, including education - the Minister did not mention the person's education - professional qualifications, experience and character, and where applicable, the results of interviews or tests conducted by the relevant committee. I would ask the Minister to explain the business of character in this respect.