Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for coming before the committee. Many issues have been covered, but I would like to ask a couple of questions. The delegates called for more resources to be provided. We hear all of the time that more resources would help to resolve many difficulties in public administration and bureaucracy. Aside from that, can the delegates recommend ways by which the courts structure could be reformed to deal with existing difficulties? For me, when I consider all aspects of the public service, including the courts system, the provision of more resources is not always the answer.

In terms of the administration of the courts system, does the Bar Council have ideas, in line with extra resources, on how the Courts Service could reform some of the clear inefficiencies in the system, some of which are caused by judges? More judges may lead to an improvement but I do not believe it would automatically lead to better outcomes for people who would be affected by this legislation. I would like to hear some initial thoughts from the witnesses.