David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is not correct in saying that the provision would preclude lay members from discussing things like administrative ability and so on. What it says is that they are prohibited from preparing a statement which deals with applicants' knowledge of the law, skills and competence in the interpretation and application of the law, or the ability to exercise functions as holders of judicial office. Those are all specifically and clearly legal concerns. It does not exclude anybody from dealing with administrative abilities. Lay persons can take part in the preparation of a statement but not where it deals exclusively with legal matters. There is nothing to suggest that those lay members have any particular legal expertise.