Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the importance of this legislation and the setting up of the judicial council. We have already heard from Deputy O'Callaghan and others that this important reforming legislation has been 20 years in the making. The judicial council will have an important role to play in the administration of justice.

I acknowledge the co-operation of Deputies. There was some urgency to certain aspects of the Bill, and I am pleased that Deputies have co-operated in order to ensure its passage. I acknowledge the contributions and co-operation of Deputies O'Callaghan, Ó Laoghaire, and Sherlock in particular. I express my appreciation to officials in my Department on the manner in which new sections of the Bill, especially those dealing with personal injury matters, have been included. I look forward to going back to the Seanad with these amendments to the Bill. I hope that can be done next week and that we will see its early implementation.

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