asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, he has to change the current system for the appointment of members of the Judiciary; and if he will establish a special committee for the purpose of compiling a panel of suitable persons for appointment by the Government as judges.

Appointments to the Bench are decided by the Government and there are no proposals to change that.

Any system involving pre-selection or the creation of a panel from which appointments would be made, would require Government approval. If I had proposals relating to any system of this nature it would be inappropriate for me to announce them in advance of having them considered and approved by Government.

Does the Minister not agree that just as a committee select somebody suitable for the post of Director of Public Prosecutions a committee such as a judicial appointments committee is desirable? Such a committee should consist of the Chief Justice, the President of the High Court and the Attorney General who would make recommendations to the Government of persons suitable for such appointment. They would also set down minimum qualifying standards other than those which consist of the number of years in practice. Does the Minister agree that there is a need to appoint younger people to the Bench, including more women?

The first woman to be appointed to the High Court was proposed to the Government by me in the late seventies——

I hope the Minister continues that practice.

I have no doubt that the lady Members of the Oireachtas would certainly congratulate me on my choice——

Take a bow.

That in itself and the success of the judge in question suggests that the system in operation is worthwhile. I do not have any proposals to change the system at present, nor do I think there is a need for such proposals.

It is desirable to take this out of the political arena. I have no objection to the Government appointing people——

A question, please.

Does the Minister agree that it is time to have a separate appointments committee to make these recommendations?

I am quite satisfied that the Government, who have the ultimate responsibility, selected the best persons for judicial appointments.