James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their contributions and their welcome for the Bill. It is mostly administrative in nature and while the amendments may appear to be minor, they also make important changes, the majority of which, as Deputy Martin Kenny said, are positive. In particular, the Bill will help to modernise many of the areas around the administration of the courts. This will have a real impact because, as we know, delays in the court system cause great stress to people. A number of the elements of this legislation will also help to reduce costs.

I listened to the concerns raised by Deputies Kenny and Ó Murchú about teasing out the role sheriffs will have following the amendments and ensuring the bankruptcy elements of the Bill are effective. As Deputy Ó Murchú said, we want to ensure there is fairness for all here. The system must be fair, effective and work efficiently but primacy must be given to achieving fairness for those who are going through the system and minimising costs.

As I said, I thank the Deputies for their contributions to the debates today and yesterday on the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022.

As the House is aware, miscellaneous Bills such as this one offer an important opportunity to bring legislation up to date and make important technical and policy amendments that do not necessitate their own stand-alone legislation. The statutory reforms outlined in the Bill fulfil a commitment set out in the Department of Justice's 2021 action plan, provide a number of important reforms in the law across a broad range of areas, and play a key role in the series of measures that my Department continues to introduce in order to improve access to justice and modernise the courts system. The positive changes arising from this Bill will be felt across diverse areas, including bankruptcy, Irish nationality and citizenship, international protection, immigration, legal services, legal aid and the Judicial Council.

As the Minister outlined, it is intended to table a number of amendments to the Bill on Committee Stage, including those in the areas of occupiers' liability, data protection and third-party funding of commercial arbitration. I wish to state my appreciation for the Deputies' contributions to the debate and I look forward to their participation and engagement continuing as the Bill progresses.

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