I asked the Taoiseach earlier about a matter which should be at the top of the agenda of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, but which sadly is not. I now turn to an issue that seems to be his obsession, although he has no responsibility for it at all. I am talking, of course, about the promised judicial appointments legislation. Today's edition of The Irish Times reports that the legislation to reform the way judges are appointed - a Bill promised by the Department of Justice and Equality for months - has been delayed. The latest deadline was the end of January. Pat Leahy notes that nobody now seems bothered about the matter. Where stands the judicial appointments Bill?

The judicial appointments Bill stands as a priority for Government for this session. We would like to see it concluded. There has been quite a deal of discussion and correspondence from members of the Judiciary outlining their view on this. As the Deputy is well aware, it is a function of the Cabinet to make appointments to the Judiciary. The system by which that is made is at stake here.

Are judges being appointed at present?

The Judicial Appointments Advisory Board has been in operation for a number of years. What is proposed now is a more transparent method of providing names for Cabinet to consider for appointment to the Bench.

Is there an embargo?

It is a priority. I will update the Deputy on the progress made since the matter was last raised here.