Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 33:

In page 25, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following: “39.Nothing in this Part shall be construed as limiting the advice that the Government may give to the President under Article 35 of the Constitution with respect to the appointment of a person to be a judge.”.

These amendments are intended to go the heart of what this legislation is saying. It is important that the Minister give the House some clarity on the intended purpose of the Bill. Will she tell the House whether it is the intention of this Bill to make it unlawful or illegal for the Government to appoint a person who is eligible for judicial office where that person has not been recommended by the judicial appointments commission?