Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)

The purpose of the meeting today is to discuss the role of the Courts Service and an overview of the steps in the judicial review process and appeals process, to include information on trends in the number of applications received and the timeline for processing. We are of course talking about planning and construction matters, rather than every type of case that the courts deal with. If anybody has any query about any other case not connected with this, they can take it up outside.

I am pleased to welcome representatives of the Court Service Ms Angela Denning, CEO, Ms Kim Duffy, principal registrar of the High Court, and Ms Lisa Scott, principal officer at the office of the chief executive. For people watching, this is a meeting on the operations of the Courts Service and we are not examining any cases that have gone before judges. In case the public thinks we have judges here who will comment on previous cases, that is not the case. We will look at the management, the caseload, the workload and its prioritisation, and the process. It will not involve anything to do with the details of any particular case. I say that in case people were wondering about the role of the people here today.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I remind members they will be afford a six-minute speaking slot for questions and answers, with a second opportunity to contribute at the end of the meeting or the first round of speakers, if they so wish.

I now invite Ms Denning to make her opening statement.