Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have discussed this issue for a long time. I am not questioning the Minister's bona fides, but the reality is that the pace of progress is lethargic. We only have to look at the Judicial Council Bill 2017 which was only recently sent to the Seanad. It is a key recommendation and an important component. We have been talking about the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017 for the last year and a half. It is an integral part of ensuring the independence of the Judiciary and streamlining its ability to self-assess to ensure it is making awards that are commensurate what is required and with those made in other countries. A Garda fraud unit is another key recommendation, but it has yet to be established. The insurance industry is talking about financing it. There would be no cost to the State. We need action on that issue now. At the end of the day there must be sanctions. I introduced the Civil Liability and Courts (Amendment) Bill 2018 which is to proceed to Committee Stage at some point. I sincerely hope it will be supported, while accepting that amendments might be required. It will send a strong message that fraudsters and chancers will face the rule of law and that there is a downside to fraudulent claims.

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