I ask Members to be concise so that we can give everyone a chance. I am obliged to call leaders or their representatives first.

I wish to ask about the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, which has been described in today's editorial in The Irish Times as the pet project of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross. I concur with that view. As the Tánaiste knows, Fianna Fáil is opposed to the Bill because it is fundamentally flawed, but if the Government is not going to listen to us, we are not the only ones who have concerns with it. The European Commission has expressed its concern that the Bill "would not be in line with European standards". The Tánaiste will agree that this comment is not insignificant. It cannot and should not be ignored. Is the Government concerned about the Commission's view and, in order that Ireland can meet the highest standards of judicial independence, will it reconsider this legislation, which is being driven by the Minister, Deputy Ross?

The question is in order, as it relates to the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill.

As the Deputy knows, the Bill is going through the system at the moment. It has been through Committee Stage. There are a series of issues with it, given its legal complexity and the amendments that have been made, some of which were supported by the Opposition and others of which were not. Of course the Government notes what the European Commission says. This is not driven by one Minister. This forms part of the programme for Government.

He would be better off concentrating on transport.

A decision has been made by the Government that we need to make a fundamental change in terms of judicial appointments. We must ensure that, on a new body that is set up to make recommendations to the Government, there will be a lay majority. That is not inconsistent with what many other countries in the EU have done, including our closest neighbours.

And Poland.

We must examine the precedent while also taking note of the comments of Opposition parties and the European Commission. We will have an opportunity to tease through those issues on Report Stage of the legislation.