asked the Minister for Justice whether he has considered changing the present system of the making of patronage appointments in the courts and to certain legal posts, which is an undesirable heritage from the past; and, if so, with what result.

I presume that the appointments referred to in the Deputy's question are appointments to offices in or connected with the courts which, under the Constitution or under statute, are made either by the President, acting on the advice of the Government, or by the Government themselves. These appointments are not, in fact, made on the basis of patronage; the Government's decision in each case is taken in the light of their considered opinion of the relative merits of the candidates in regard to qualifications and suitability.

I consider the existing arrangements to be the most suitable in all the circumstances, and I am not satisfied that it is necessary to take any steps with a view to their alteration.

Is the Minister aware that there are a number of legal practitioners in a certain Munster county who are of a different opinion?

Troth, I would not doubt it.