Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will not look for office space until the Bill is enacted. It is only then that we will move, but preliminary work has been done to determine how we will proceed in that regard.

The Judiciary is very supportive of the incorporation within the Judicial Council structure of a function of formulating and issuing appropriate guidelines on compensation in personal injuries cases. The approach I am taking is in favour of a guidelines regime that will have a clear legal basis and that will be fully within the remit of the Judiciary. I am satisfied that this approach is one with which the Judiciary can work.

Under the proposed amendments, the personal injuries guidelines committee will be mandated to prepare a draft of the guidelines within 12 months of its establishment. That is the period in which it must be done. There is no reason it cannot be done before 12 months have elapsed. The guidelines will have to be adopted by the Judicial Council. Every Member of the Oireachtas understands the importance of this legislation. There will probably not be more important legislation coming through the Houses in this term. The insurance side is a small corner of crucial legislation to revolutionise how the Judiciary works. I compliment the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, on the legislation. I also thank him and the Department for giving me the opportunity to add a section on insurance to benefit insured persons and society as a whole.