Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Bacik raised two very interesting and important items this morning. The first was the community courts about which the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality had a very interesting session last week when, unfortunately, we were very busy here and many of us were unable to attend. I was very taken with the advice and arguments of Judge Michael Reilly, our inspector of prisons, who attended with other experts. They gave very interesting views and it was very informative. The Minister attended the entire session and offered some views as well. As I said last week, that is worthy of debate and I look forward to our justice people leading on it.

Senator Bacik mentioned the question of the court poor box. I have never understood the legal basis for it, although I was subject to it once and I am not complaining. It appears that there is none. It gives the appearance of making District Court judges fund raisers. There were jokes about them being patrons of this or that charity because some of them allegedly had favourites. I am pleased the Minister has decided to bring in legislation governing the matter.