Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My proposal, as mentioned on numerous occasions, was that I would return to the Government with the views of the Seanad and that that would inform a number of amendments on Report Stage, along with a number of amendments which are necessary in order to ensure consistency across the Bill. I regret that Senator McDowell stated that he is not minded to support a proposal that would involve a committee of three people for the appointment of the three presidents. I disagree with him when he states that the three presidents are no more distinguished in terms of the operation of their obligations and duties than are other judges. I bow to his experience, but I beg to differ in that regard. If the Seanad is not minded to support the proposal I intended to bring on Report Stage, I may not bring it at all. That is another reason I think it appropriate to wait until Committee Stage has been completed. Of course, I do not sense any disposition on the part of Senator Norris or others to facilitate the progress of the Bill-----