Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for this worthwhile amendment. We are aware of a number of cases where judges have fallen into arrears and that is unacceptable. This measure should go some way towards alleviating that problem.

More broadly, in many cases the time limit is unacceptable and the workload of judges seems very large. Recognising the separation between the Judiciary and Government, is there some way in which we can address the problems in the courts and the level of arrears by perhaps appointing additional judges to ensure that cases are dealt with more speedily? That would be much more helpful to the people who are taking those cases and to those against whom the cases are being taken. This amendment must be welcomed and should go some way towards alleviating the problems.