Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive response. It is welcome that more legislation is to be brought forward which will allow us debate this issue further. It is amazing the costs involved in the scheme have increased from €40 million to €60 million. The number of solicitors who have applied to participate in the scheme has increased by approximately 90%. I ask the Minister to ensure that when the proposed legislation is being drafted the people who need this service most will be the focal point of it. Two and a half years will have passed between the time a barrister first takes a case and the time he or she submits a bill for that work. Everybody is seeking justice but it must be justice served at a reasonable pace. Currently, the pace appears to be quite slow. I am not sure whether that is deliberate or because there are multiple appearances for which people are paid. That is the sort of aspect that must be streamlined. I appreciate improvements have been made in this regard recently but a 40% increase in the rates paid to solicitors in a few years is incredible.