Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has been waiting three years for the judiciary to respond to points he made to them about reforming legislation, the Dáil heard.
Mr McDowell told Labour's justice spokesman, Brendan Howlin, that he had consulted the judiciary three years ago about the Judicial Council Bill on judicial conduct, "and I am still awaiting a response about certain points".
Mr Howlin had asked when would the Bill appear. The legislation had been promised since 2004 following the controversy about Judge Brian Curtin and the dropped charges relating to child pornography.
Mr Howlin asked: "Has the retirement request from Judge Brian Curtin been agreed by the Government?
"When will the legislative framework be provided that will enable such contentious issues in the future to be dealt with in a structured manner?"
He also asked for clarity on the proposed children's rights referendum.
"Is there a wording agreed and is it the Government's intention to hold referendum before Easter?"
Mr McDowell said that the Taoiseach had "clearly stated the position regarding the referendum, and it has not changed since then. We are in a process of study and consultation and the deputy has been consulted about the matter."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern had told the Dáil that he favoured a referendum subject to all-party agreement.
Mr Howlin pressed for a date for the referendum and said it was a legitimate question. "Is it the Government's intention to bring a referendum Bill before the Dáil before Easter?"
"The Taoiseach answered the question clearly the other day," Mr McDowell replied. "The answer does not change from member to member."
When Mr Howlin said the Taoiseach had not made anything clear, the Minister repeated that "the answer remains the same".
