Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)

It is a little bit off centre but we were speaking about efficiencies, remoteness and technology, but nobody has mentioned the people in the Courts Service or, more particularly, barristers. There seems to be an omission of the fact that, in order for all of this to happen, we need a steady pipeline of barristers coming from year 1 right through. Is there a place to include in this the restoration of barristers' fees for legal aid? We know there will be an increase in the number of judges. I represent County Louth and Dundalk and Drogheda have, I believe, six courtrooms. How could I forget Ardee, which is my district? Add that in as well. With the increase in judges, I hope we will be able to fill these courtrooms more often but we need a steady pipeline of barristers. One of the most off-putting things for young barristers - we have all received representations on it - is the fact there has not been the proper restoration of legal fees for them. Is this an omission from the proposed legislation? Does it sit here in terms of efficiencies? If one link in a chain is weak or broken, the whole thing will fall down. I would like to hear the opinions of the witnesses. I am not sure whether Ms Denning will want to give an opinion on this but perhaps the witnesses from the Bar will give their opinions.