Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Thank you, a Chathaoirligh, and I thank committee members for scheduling this short but nevertheless important legislation for this afternoon. I am joined by my officials, Mr. Richard Fallon and Mr. Patrick McHale.

The Bill, as committee members will be aware from Second Stage, deals with the amendment of section 1A of the Courts (Establishment and Constitution) Act 1961. The provisions deal with judicial resources. The purpose of the amendment is to amend section 1A(2) of the 1961 Act and provides for the increase by six, from the current number of nine to 15, of the maximum number of ordinary judges of the Court of Appeal. The amendment will achieve the primary purpose of the Bill, as initiated.