Tá ceist agam don Taoiseach, nó b'fhéidir don Aire Dlí agus Cirt agus Comhionannais. I understand the Cabinet yesterday appointed three new judges. It is reported that these will be the last judges appointed under the current system. In fact, today's newspapers report some rancour at the Cabinet. Obviously, there were earnest protests from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, indicating that this would be the last time such an appointments system would be allowed, but seeing as he has allowed many judges to be appointed, that remains to be seen. When will the Judicial Appointments Bill be brought forward on Report Stage? Perhaps the Minister will inform the House but we are told the hold-up is in the Department of Justice and Equality and that it is examining the amendments made by this House on Committee Stage.

If there is a difficulty with any of the changes made by the Dáil the Minister might set them out for us so that we can have a clear timeline for the legislation.

The Deputy is around this House long enough not to believe everything that he reads in the newspapers about reports.

When it is coming directly from the Cabinet what can one do?

Having served in a number of Administrations the Deputy will have always abided by the doctrine of Cabinet confidentiality.

Bypassing the communications unit.

I can say to the former Minister, in respect of this legislation, that we have had in excess of five days on Committee Stage, wherein a number of important amendments were made. There is now a period of reflection between Committee and Report Stages. I expect that in the next few weeks we can bring matters back to the House in terms of having Report Stage and have the legislation enacted. It is very important legislation and it is a priority for this Government as underlined in the programme for Government and I can assure Deputy Howlin that it will be back in this House for early enactment within the next few weeks.