Section 12 of the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 provides for the transfer to the Policing Authority of the appointment of persons to the ranks of assistant Garda commissioner, chief superintendent and superintendent. The section has not commenced. When is that likely to happen? If it happens, will the members of the Garda Síochána who have been identified for promotion be obliged to reapply to the Policing Authority for promotion?

May I ask about the criminal justice (victims of crime) Bill?

No, the Deputy may only ask about one item of legislation.

Could I not just squeeze in a second one?

No.

It is new politics. Take it up with the Business Committee.

On a related matter.

It is related. It is another crime Bill. The heads of the Bill were published in 2005. When will it be published?

Given that the Deputy managed to get two questions in, I will do my best to answer both.

I am giving the Minister a chance to audition for the leadership.

That makes two of you.

The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, is here to offer me moral support and guidance on how I do this morning.

He is coaching the Minister.

The drafting of the Bill is at an advanced stage and it is due to be published this session. Section 12 of the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 will be enacted by the end of December and those members of the Garda Síochána who applied for the vacancies to which the Deputy referred were told when they applied that the Policing Authority would have responsibility for filling vacancies. The agenda has support from all sides the House.