Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak about the Court of Appeal Bill 2014. I welcome the Bill and the broader debate on the courts and the smooth operation of the justice system based on democratic principles of equality, justice and human rights. It is important to make this point, given the decision of the people in the referendum. In recent months the crisis in the justice system has demonstrated the urgent need for reform and accountability. We must maintain the trust and respect of the people in and for the system of justice. Above all, the courts have to be fair, open and accountable in serving justice. I support the Bill because it is part of a reform agenda.

The purpose of the Bill is to put the legislative arrangements in place to facilitate the establishment of a court of appeal at a level between the High Court and the Supreme Court, as agreed to in the referendum on 4 October 2013. The financial implications of the Bill are significant and must be examined. It is envisaged that the initial capital costs involved in establishing the court of appeal will be of the order of €2 million, with ongoing annual costs of €2.5 million to €3 million. Establishment of the court will have positive implications for our ability to honour international obligations which would otherwise give rise to reputational damage and financial penalties and may have a positive influence on external investment decisions. From a value for money perspective, every cent we spend should be examined carefully. However, compared to the hundreds of million of euro that have been wasted during the years, a light goes on in my head when I see a figure of €2.5 to €3 million. The Bill offers value for money.

On the subject of small sums of money, an excellent preschool creche in Darndale could do with €100,000 in the coming week. I urge the Minster, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, to support the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in funding that creche.

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