29.— Section 6(1) of the Court Officers Act 1945 is amended by substituting the following for paragraph (a):

“(a) the Courts Service, after consultation with the President of the High Court, may appoint a person who at the time of the appointment is a member of staff of the Courts Service and who—

(i) is a barrister or solicitor,

(ii) at any time prior to such appointment has been employed for a period of not less than 9 years, or for periods together totalling not less than 9 years, in an office or offices established under Part I of the Principal Act, or

(iii) holds such other qualification or qualifications as the Courts Service, with the consent of the President of the High Court, determines to be appropriate for such appointment.”.