Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is important that everyone has access to justice and that are courts are properly resourced to deliver on Government priorities such as the planning and environmental court and new family courts. Last year I encountered one District Court with 111 separate child law and private family law applications before it. This volume of cases is disastrous for children and families affected by delays and timely access to the courts. It is a massive burden on the court. The programme for Government recognises that the family court system must be reformed to ensure that proceedings involving children are dealt with in a manner that recognises the unique vulnerability and needs of children. This is important because it is part of the Bill and it is vital. I welcome it.

Having an efficient court system that provides timely access to justice is of central importance to society. The court exists to protect our rights and uphold the rule of law. At some point we are all likely to have reason to interact with the court system. When we do it is important that we experience an efficient, fair and timely service that has equal access for all so that everyone has the same access. It is very important that we all see this in our court system.

The rape crisis network has called for the regulation of court experts, particularly in family courts where matters have been in camera. I hope the increases in the judicial resources will be complemented by the ongoing implementation of the far-reaching court service modernisation plans, for which additional funding has been provided in 2023, as well as strategic reform to our court operations, including the frequency, location and management of our courts. I would like to add to this that we should extend support to families and victims who need assistance in navigating the court system.

It is a priority for the Department of Justice that the courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively. This is central to providing access to justice. Resourcing seems to be a big issue in our justice system. An issue I want to highlight is resourcing of the coronial justice system. Someone I know very well dealt with the system last week. Recently I was very concerned to hear of a strain on the system in Dublin, which had an incredibly distressing impact on families with loved ones awaiting a post-mortem or coronial assistance. Our coroners throughout the country need greater resources so that the part they play in the justice system is robust. We have to say they are all under pressure. I ask that the Minister of State to look particularly at this.

The Bill allows for an increase in the number of judges in the District Court, Circuit Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. Recommendations of the reports of the judicial planning working group and the OECD will be implemented. It will also mean our court system will be less under strain as we have seen it suffer in the past. As previous speakers have said, I welcome the work of the Minister of State on this. I also want to welcome the new judges we will have and this is very important.

I also welcome the programme of change initiatives for sittings of the District Court and Circuit Court. I want to ask about sittings on five days a week. In my area courts sit one day a week. I ask for a review of the Circuit Court geographical areas and other changes that would make access to justice more streamlined. This is important.

As a Carlow woman I want to raise local issues. A few years ago we got a commitment that the Leighlinbridge Garda station would reopen. I ask the Minister of State to look at this. Another issue I want to raise is that we have the most beautiful courthouse in Carlow. It is a beautiful building. I know this is not in the remit of the Minister of State but I have been working with the OPW. For years and years I have been given a commitment on the railings around the courthouse. A small part of it was done but there is a lot more to do and I ask the Minister of State to see whether he can do anything to help me on this.

The Bill is very welcome and I say well done on the work that has been done. I will be fully supportive of the Bill.

See this speech in context