Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is correct and I anticipate further reductions. The previous snowball effect in terms of fees was upwards but has been reversed.

Senator Michael D'Arcy also referred to RTE and raised an interesting question as to whether a garda could avail of the measures provided under the new Personal Insolvency Act. Having checked this issue, I understand from the Department of Justice and Equality that there is nothing to preclude gardaí from making an application under the personal insolvency legislation and those who do so would not lose their job. That is a welcome clarification.

Senator Crown raised the issue of biomedical research and pointed out that Ireland has a good reputation in the area of international medical trials.