Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is not in the Bill but maybe the Minister will assure me that it is not intended to deal with Senator Ward's matter on Report Stage because I have a funny feeling it may be. That is what I am worried about. Are we to be in a position that if the commission divides four against four on an issue, no decision will be made or will we be in a position where there is a casting vote? I notice that the legislation states that the commission can determine its own procedures. However, this is a matter of significance. Four members, be they lay or judicial, could say they want Senator Ward to be on the short list and four others could say they want Senator Martin to be on the short list. That difficult choice could be put before the commission.