Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I wish to be associated with the complimentary and well deserved remarks offered by previous speakers and also with the useful comments made by Senator Brian Hayes and others regarding the forthcoming election and the duty of all citizens. We have all enjoyed serving as Members of what has been an extremely useful Seanad. I hope those of us who are fortunate later in the year will enjoy being Members of the next Seanad. I wish everyone in the House who is contesting either election well.

In respect of the legislation passed recently regarding the appointment of additional judges to the High Court, the Circuit Court and the District Court — about which there has been a great deal of speculation outside the House, particularly in another part of this city — will the Leader indicate what appointments, if any, have been made? If such appointments have not yet been made, how imminent are they?

Before it is too late, I wish to ask the Leader about another matter. Killarney House is falling into a frightful state of disrepair.