Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is another situation where we are largely supportive of the legislation. We will all make some of the same comments such as justice delayed is justice denied. We must ensure that we have a system that is not only fit for purpose but that also responds in the swiftest way possible. If there is a need for leverage for the particular mechanisms, such as the compensation provided for in the Bill, we must ensure that we have a system that works in order that it will not be necessary to pay compensation. We have had many discussions in the past about the fact that we are dealing with clogged systems in both the District Court and the Circuit Court.

I remember doing jury duty in respect of an assault charge case that was four years in the making. I do not think any of us would consider that to be particularly swift for those involved, especially the victims. We all know we must lift our game in the context of interaction with victims across the board. We know the wild issues relating to the District Court and the Circuit Court. We know the issues with the family courts. Many have spoken and will speak again about domestic violence and the need to streamline the system for obtaining safety orders, protection orders and barring orders. That is absolutely necessary work. People have spoken about issues with the coroner's court. I remember having to deal with a specific issue where a loved one, the son of a family, had died away from home. There were particular issues and the interaction between the Coroner, An Garda Síochána, the family and Forensic Science Ireland was far from perfect. The case required genetic testing. I and my office interceded alongside some of the local gardaí to speed matters up. Work needs to be done in that regard.

We all know we do not have a sufficient number of judges to do the requisite business. I accept that when we talk about crime we know the issue we have with drug crime. We hope something will come from the citizens' assembly. I have just taken a call about a drug dealing case in a reasonably middle class area in Dundalk where obvious dealing is happening on the streets. We all know the issues that exist in disadvantaged areas. I am constantly dealing with drug debt intimidation issues. We definitely need a holistic solution that will deal with everything from poverty issues, early intervention and family interventions. We need a police force and a judicial system that are fit for purpose.

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