Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted that there are Members around here with the grammatical expertise to correct this section. In speaking about the Bill and in considering how we were going to deal with the appointments process, we have at all times been concerned about possible reputational damage to individuals. We have been anxious to have a robust process and, as such, we would expect a certain amount of time and effort to be devoted to preparing an application form and providing all the necessary supporting evidence, etc. If after the appointment of one individual on the list of three, another vacancy arises, do we honestly expect the same individuals to undergo exactly the same process again? We have all been in circumstances where we were unsuccessful in applying for a position and then started the application process again when a new position opened up. The first thing one does is look at the documentation one submitted for the first vacancy and one queries whether one did this or that correctly or whether one should change this or that.In most public appointments, if one makes it to the shortlist, one remains on the shortlist for a certain period of time, at least. Panels and the like are created. Amendment No. 92a tabled by my colleague, Senator McDowell, makes perfect sense. We should not be asking people to resubmit applications. They were good enough the first time around and there is no reason why we should be questioning or second-guessing the decision made the first time around. I am very much in favour of the amendment.