Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister. I welcome the nomination of Mr. Justice Frank Clarke and Mr. Justice John MacMenamin, two fine servants of the State who will bring great experience to the Supreme Court. I wish them well.

What is the timeline? We will not have a referendum in 2012, but does the Minister wish to take steps, for example, public consultation or public discussion, during 2012 with a view towards preparing the ground for a referendum on this issue in 2013?

Regarding delays in the courts system generally, if the Minister has the information with him, how many judges retired at the end of February? What plans are in place to replace those retirees?

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