David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister's attitude seems to be to leave everything to the commission. He is giving it a very wide brief.

I apologise to Senator McDowell who wishes to contribute. The Minister drew attention to section 53(5)(h) but it refers only to "the need for good standards of communication with applicants for judicial office, and the provision otherwise of a good standard of service to them in respect of applications made by them under this Act". That is extremely vague and does not do what Senator McDowell's amendment suggests. The provision is extremely wide and is a general statement of principle.