Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On this matter, I have to respectfully disagree with Senator Ward. I do not believe that IHREC should be represented on the judicial appointments commission. The legislation that established IHREC states that one of its functions is to develop law and to make proposals on the development of law on the protection of human rights.One of its functions is to develop law and to make proposals on the development of law on the protection of human rights. It is a quasi-political body. I do not believe it is appropriate for somebody who has membership and a part to play in law development from a particular perspective, which is the human rights perspective, to be brought in to the process with a view to vetting candidates, interviewing candidates or exerting influence on the identity of people to be appointed. There is an element of ideology to the human rights community. There are other attributes that judges need to uphold. One of these is to be guided by the Oireachtas on these matters rather than the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. I am against the amendments of Senators Ward and Wall.