Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Okay. Very compelling arguments have been made on both sides, both by the witnesses and by my colleagues, on the question of the retention of jury trials. The argument has been made clearly and well that the proposed legislation, as currently set out, will not achieve what we are setting out to achieve, which is to reduce costs and the length of times people have to wait for their cases to be heard. Mr. Justice Barton spoke about the impact on our neighbours across the water of the removal of jury trials. It is having the reverse effect to that intended, with the judicial system and judges in particular coming up against criticism and abuse. We see all that goes on online. If the situation continues as it is, nobody will want to go into public life. It will be the same for judges and the judicial system. Nobody will be willing to take on the job if we do not address these issues.

This has been a really fruitful conversation. I would appreciate if any of the witnesses might tease out the points I have raised.