Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and this change to the review period. I welcomed the review period, which was inserted on Committee Stage. An 18-month review period is a very positive change. Others have spoken about the large volume of amendments on Report Stage. I absolutely agree with colleagues that is not ideal to be trying to read between different texts. I agree with the Minister that most of the amendments are technical but this amendment will make a significant difference to the work of the authority. The Minister pointed out just how much work the authority is being obliged to do.

I hope that in the review that is to be conducted 18 months after the Bill has been passed, we will see consideration being given to extend the remit of the authority to look at issues around access to justice, support for litigants in the public interests and so on, as FLAC has advocated. That is the sort of role the authority could take on in the future once it has fulfilled the functions that it is being tasked with doing in this Bill, as it is being changed. I also note the Minister's acceptance of amendments on Report Stage, which is very positive.