Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I expect to receive the report early in the new year and intend to publish it then. I hope it will contain comprehensive recommendations to address outstanding issues, in order facilitate the hearing of cases earlier than currently occurs in some courts. I also hope the measures that have been taken will ensure that judgments which are outstanding are delivered within a reasonable period. I emphasise that what I can do about this matter is limited because of the independence of the courts. However, I welcome the initiatives the Chief Justice has taken.

It is part of the programme of Government that we provide for a court of civil appeal. That matter will require the holding of a constitutional referendum. The establishment of such a court is likely to result in some additional expenditure being incurred. Nevertheless, it is in the interest of justice that such a court is established. I hope that towards the end of next year the preparatory work being undertaken on this issue will be complete. A considerable number of cases have been appealed from the High Court to the Supreme Court in recent years that might have been dealt with at the level of the civil court of appeal. That would have taken some pressure from the Supreme Court and allowed for earlier hearings of some appeals and a resolution of civil litigation at an earlier time than occurs at present. I hope we will make progress on that matter which remains very much part of Government policy. I hope to advance the proposal substantially in 2012.

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