Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I appreciate the intention of the amendment, I am not sure who determined that it should be listed as amendment No. 100a as it bears no relationship to or has no connection with amendment No. 100. I still find the process extremely difficult to understand. I find many of the Standing Orders of the Seanad difficult to comprehend. I will not accept the amendment for drafting reasons. The opening words in section 53(5) make it clear that the procedures committee must have regard to the matters set out in section 53(5)(h) and all of the subsections to section 53(5). I refer to the procedures committee as distinct from the judicial appointments commission. I am not sure it makes sense to elaborate on something that will ultimately be a function of the commission by imposing a specific obligation on the procedures committee to have regard to this issue in the preparation of a statement setting out the selection procedure. For these drafting reasons, I am declining to accept the amendment.