Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am interested in what the Minister of State has said about the transparent and well-trusted method of appointing the lay members because, unfortunately, his remarks do not reflect the reality of the intention of the Government. Section 13, in respect of the proposed selection of lay members, states that the Minister will ask the Public Appointments Service "to undertake a selection process." Then, under subsection (2), the Public Appointments Service undertakes a selection process in accordance with the selection criteria and will "recommend to the Minister, from among the persons who participated in the process, those persons whom it is satisfied are suitable for appointment as lay members." Therefore, if 50 people apply, the Public Appointments Services could come up with 12 people who are suitable.