David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am really just echoing the points made by Senator McDowell.The Long Title to the Bill refers to making provision for persons of a lay character to be members of the commission. It is clear that the intention of the person who inspired the Bill was for there to be a majority of lay people on the commission. I do not think that is a good idea. The Senate is an elite body to which people are appointed or elected because of their expertise in particular areas. It is very important that the majority of members of a commission of this nature be people with very specific and particular expertise; not just lay members. The amendment seeks to make clear that we do not agree with the ideas of the person who initiated the proposal within the Bill that there should be a lay majority. Instead, by inserting the amendment we would make clear that lay participation should be at a minority level.