Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator's argument would be all very fine if we were dealing with purely legal skills and attributes, but there is more than that involved in the appointment of a member of the Judiciary. There is a requirement, for instance, for administrative skills, analytical skills and skills in dealing with human interest issues. It is about more than just knowledge of the law, albeit that is a most important skill and attribute. We are not confining ourselves to that criterion but are looking beyond it. It is entirely appropriate in the legislation that we should seek to draw on the expertise of people working with lawyers and members of the Judiciary but without confining the composition of the group to lawyers.