Seanad votes for three-year gap before former lawyers considered ‘lay persons’

Seanad votes for three-year gap before former lawyers considered 'lay persons'

The controversial Judicial Appointments Bill has been amended in the Seanad to allow former barristers and solicitors to be considered “lay persons” three years after leaving practice.

The bill previously provided that someone could not be considered a “lay person” until 15 years after ceasing to practice as a barrister or a solicitor.

The amendment was proposed by Senators Michael McDowell, Victor Boyhan, Gerard P. Graughwell and Marie-Louise O’Donnell and passed without a vote because no Government senators were present in the chamber.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan failed in a bid to bring the matter back for further debate.

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