Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not accept the amendment. It runs counter to arrangements already set in the Bill and to which the House has agreed. I refer in particular to section 40. If the amendment were accepted, it would cause serious difficulty to the entire ranking arrangements. I do not agree with Senator Craughwell that once recommended, always recommended. I do not accept that. I am not sure from where he got that understanding but I do not accept it and I do not consider it feasible. Each vacancy shall be dealt with on its own merits in accordance with the provisions. It would be unfair for a person who was unsuccessful on one occasion to receive more favourable consideration on a second, third or subsequent occasion. Each vacancy should be dealt with by way of recommendation on its own merit.