Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On that basis, I will end my reference to that amendment for the time being. The Minister has come in and said that it would be a major U-turn and, therefore, it cannot happen. The Chair told Senator Norris earlier that where reasons are not offered, groupings can take place whether he likes it or not. I am not contesting that ruling at all. The fact that it would be a U-turn for the Government to accept that it may be wrong about a lay majority is not a reason it should not change its mind. If it is asked by a number of different people with different perspectives on this legislation from across the House to reconsider the matter, it should do so without regard to the proposition that this would represent a U-turn. On that basis, I believe that the Long Title of the Act should lay the ground for later amendments to ensure that the lay participation in the judicial appointments commission should be a minority.