Mary Henry (Independent)

I thank the Minister for the manner in which he dealt with this Bill. We were very pleased at its initial introduction in this House. It deals with two very important areas. No one could be unconcerned at the way personal injuries claims have gone in this country and it was important to tighten the legislation. That is why the Minister got such support in this House. I thank the Minister for accepting the amendments which mainly related to time, and I am particularly grateful regarding the section on reporting of the family law courts. This has been an area of great concern to many of us for some years because so little information came out of those courts.

When the Minister was Attorney General he said that the in camera rule had to be interpreted very strictly as it was. I am glad to see that when he became Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform he rapidly brought forward this Bill which I hope will allow us to make great improvements in those courts, which are more important to many people than any of the civil or criminal courts. The family courts are of great importance to people and I am delighted with the changes the Minister has made in this area.