Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is important to bear in mind that although the Minister has indicated support for the amendments being tabled by Senators Craughwell, Boyhan and myself in respect of deleting subsections (2) and (3), that still leaves us with subsection (1). The Minister will be aware that in the list of amendments I and my colleagues have also indicated opposition to the section even if that amendment were made to it. I do not see why the Minister should make such a report to Members of the Oireachtas. I do not see why one should start telling Members of the Oireachtas the details of "the education, professional qualifications and experience of each appointee". I do not see what useful purpose is served by what information it happens to be. Mostly, when somebody is appointed to the Bench the media are informed by the Department of Justice and Equality, as things stand, that the newly appointed Mr. Justice David Norris or whoever it might be was educated at St. Columba's or wherever he was, or St. Andrew's-----