Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I think there is unanimity. I thank colleagues for the general broad support for the Bill. As I have said many times before, the overall objective of the Bill is to make sure that we can, insofar as possible, make what is often the most difficult time a family will go through that little bit easier by putting in place these structures, making our family courts more accessible, more affordable and, where possible, less adversarial. That is the overall objective of the Bill.

I will respond to some of the points raised. For this Bill to be enacted is one thing but in order for it to be implemented, resources and structures will be needed. I have already started that work by expanding our courts system, particularly our Judiciary. There are 31 new judges in our system who were not there three years ago. Only in the last week, I received approval for 20 more additional judges. With those judges, we are already seeing a reduction in times and backlogs in our District Court, Circuit Court and High Court, including in cases involving family law matters. It is important that these 20 additional judges, their supporting staff and continued investment in our modernisation programme and capital programme be put in place before we can fully enact and stand up this legislation.

On investment in infrastructure, we have an overall capital budget for our courts of €67 million annually. The new government, whatever form that may take, will need to look at further expanding this under the national development plan, NDP, to make sure that further projects can be included as we expand our family courts and our courts in general. We need to make sure that we have space for the additional judges I have mentioned and that we continue to expand and improve access to justice. The project at Hammond Lane is progressing. It has obviously been a significant challenge and it is still that hole in the ground we all drive past regularly. However, it is progressing and moving through the different stages. I am absolutely confident that we will see building works starting as soon as possible.

In tandem with this legislation, the family justice strategy is really important. A number of elements of this are already progressing. Work is under way on maintenance and on making sure that maintenance orders can be effected. That requires a number of different measures. The Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and I have been working to progress the recommendations. We recently introduced reports on the voice of the child and the welfare of the child. Again, we need to make sure that there are proper structures and oversight, that these reports are paid for and that the burden is not on the families. To Deputy Durkan's point, we also need to ensure there is a way to make a complaint if unfairness is perceived or if issues arise. A review of the in camera rule is already under way, as are many other measures that I hope will complement the family courts structure, support it and make sure that families going through this really difficult time are supported.

I again thank colleagues for their support. These amendments in particular are to make sure that the rules of court are set out in the most efficient manner possible, that our judges are part of the various different committees and that the courts work effectively with them should any issues or concerns arise.

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