Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the allocation for the modernisation programme, that has been set out through the Courts Service. I will have to respond later to the Deputy on whether those funds cover the costs for translators. In the last year, however, we have allocated €9 million specifically for the courts modernisation programme, and I would be surprised if translation did not form part of that overall allocation or if the requisite funding could not be found within that allocation. I accept the Deputy's point that a lack of access to a translator means that it is not possible for someone to realise their right to have a fair trial and due process. I will follow this up with the Courts Service.

Regarding judges, we were able to allocate six new High Court judges following the request that was made. I appreciate, however, that is not enough in the context of the overall structure and system. A group chaired by Brigid McManus is looking at the overall number of judges and how many might ultimately be required. The group is also examining new types of structures and court structures which will have specialised judges. My Department and I are also working towards a new family courts Bill, which will identify new courts' structures specifically for family law cases. We wish to have specific judges who will only be working on family law issues and who are trained in this area.

Therefore, we must do several things. We must increase the number of judges and increase specialisation among judges. Equally, we must maintain the changes which have occurred in respect of modernisation. We have moved on from the days when many people would go into a courtroom on a particular date not knowing whether they would be heard that day, and perhaps then having to return to same courtroom only for the same thing to happen several times. We must build on the changes that have happened and on the positive approaches that have been taken in the context of the modernisation programme. I should have an initial report on the number of judges by Easter. I would assume that I will be bringing recommendations based on that report to Cabinet once I have spoken to my colleagues in other Departments.