David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It has been such an interesting afternoon. I would be tempted to call a quorum but since the Government has reduced it to six and there are five Members in the House, it is bit of a redundant exercise. I am assured that hundreds of thousands of people are watching this avidly online.

I am still firmly in support of Senator McDowell. However, I think the Minister made a number of shrewd points. With regard to the question of whether it is the same vacancy or a new vacancy, it is both, in a sense. It is the same vacancy in the sense that it is a vacancy on the High Court or Supreme Court, but it presents a new opportunity, if perhaps not quite a new vacancy. I also wonder what happens when a new person emerges and applies, as they have to be considered also.

I suggest there is a slight element of posturing in the argument that it is frightfully onerous for judges to send in their recommendations or forms. They can send in the same forms they sent in the first time, so it is not going to kill them. I am not terribly-----