Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

It is great to see a fresh face in the Department. While Senator Callanan might sing the praises of the former Minister, Deputy Walsh, who did some good work, unfortunately he also made mistakes and did not do the work we hoped he would do. I hope a fresh face and the caring image of Fianna Fáil following the meeting in Inchydoney will mean significant changes in the next year or two.

I will make a brief few comments on the Bill. I enjoyed listening to the detail in the Minister's speech. One of my questions relates to the €18 million. Has she any idea where the money will go? Will it disappear into the general area or will it be used for specific projects? Is she open to suggestions in that regard?

The Minister made the valid point in her speech that the enactment of the Bill will reduce the administrative burden on her Department and permit staff to be redeployed to more urgent and productive areas. How many staff will be redeployed when the Bill is enacted and, if so, will job losses occur in the Department? One area which is screaming out for extra assistance is the Land Registry. In some instances it can take three years to get a title sorted out. Obviously, this would be a complicated case but the Land Registry appears to be stretched in terms of manpower. If the Minister intends redeploying staff, perhaps she will examine that area.

These proposals will have a significant impact on solicitors. I am aware from talking to some of my Fianna Fáil colleagues that solicitors are not too impressed with Fianna Fáil over the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. I am sure it will drive them wild when they find out what is proposed in this legislation.