James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the Deputies who contributed to the debate today. This is a short and technical Bill. Its objective is to provide a continuing basis for an effective courts system, which is of central importance to our society and economy. The Minister is committed to improving access to justice for all of our citizens.

It is important that our courts are properly resourced to deliver on this objective, and for the Government's policy objectives for the courts, which are already in train and planned. For these reasons, the Government has approved the proposal for 24 additional judges in phase 1, as recommended by the judicial planning working group. As I said, before proceeding with additional judges in phase 2 the Government will want to see evidence that the appointments under phase 1 are having an impact on waiting times and improving access to justice. These substantial increases in judicial resources will be complemented by the ongoing implementation of the courts modernisation programme as well as the strategic reforms in courts operations.

I will conclude by thanking Deputies again for their contributions to the debate. I look forward to the further Stages of the legislative consideration of this Bill. I commend the Bill to the House.

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