Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This proposed amendment, which has been put forward by Senators Ruane, Higgins, Black and Flynn, relates to section 10(5) of the Bill, which applies to the reappointment of ordinary members of the commission. The Bill currently states that when a person is being reappointed, it will not be necessary for him or her to participate in a selection competition undertaken by the Public Appointments Service nor to be recommended for reappointment following the passing of supporting resolution by each House of the Oireachtas. This amendment sets out to delete the latter provision so that supporting resolutions would be required of both Houses in order for a reappointment to take place. In my view, the initial appointment of an ordinary member gives the Houses of the Oireachtas an opportunity to consider the suitability of a candidate for appointment to the commission having regard to his or her character, skills and experience. I do not believe that a further endorsement by the Oireachtas is necessary. As such, I will not be supporting this amendment.