Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The proposal is to insert into section 53(5), which states, "In the preparation of the statement referred to in subsection (1)(a)," which is a statement setting out the selection procedures, "the Procedures Committee shall, amongst other matters, have regard to", a requirement to ensure it is compliant with section 7(1) and may have regard to the critical importance of the matters listed thereafter. The purpose is to restate the dominance of the merit-based appointment over the criteria set out in paragraphs (a) to (i) of section 53(5).