Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to seek approval for his recently selected three person Ombudsman Commission for the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29750/05]

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria he employed for the appointment of the three members of the Ombudsman Commission under the Garda Síochána Act 2005; the reason he did not resort to a public tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29773/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 25 together.

The method of selection of the members of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is set out in the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides that they are to be appointed by the President on the nomination of the Government and the passage of resolutions by both Houses of the Oireachtas. I am pleased that progress has been made on the selection of the members and I expect to bring proposals to Government shortly. Following Government approval, I will bring the necessary resolutions to the House and there will be an opportunity for debate on the appointments at that time.

In making the nominations, the Government will, as required by the Act, satisfy itself that the nominees have the appropriate experience, qualifications, training or expertise for appointment to the Ombudsman Commission.