Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I congratulate her on the changes which the Bill brings in. They are creatures of necessity. While they are temporary, I look forward to them modernising how we conduct the business of justice in the State. Many of the measures are welcome and long overdue.

I particularly welcome the video link and warrant arrangements. They will lend themselves to a more efficient and effective means of conducting matters of justice and may also lead to a diversity of inclusion and to a greater scope of individuals being able to have access to and participate in the courts system.

Albeit a small feature, I welcome the provision for remote meetings of clubs and the filing of documents. I echo Senator Ardagh's question about whether we intend to extend remote hearings to bodies including the Workplace Relations Commission. It appears on reading the Bill that this is the intention. Prior to Covid-19, we had been at a stage where we were seeing the inside of a hearing room reasonably quickly and the system was taking a shorter period of time than ever. Naturally, Covid-19 has caused a delay which is a matter of concern. I hope this Bill will alleviate that and we can work back towards where we were.

The modernisation of the oath and the use of a statement of truth also allows for equality and really represents that our society includes persons of all faiths and none. It is reasonable that we respect that. I echo everything that has been said on facilitating e-conveyancing.

Finally, as the Minister for Justice and Equality is present I raise the fatal shooting yesterday. There has been a call to consider bringing in something along the lines of a police campaign like Operation Cherry Orchard. The ordinary decent people deserve to be safe on their streets and they deserve to be safe as their children play on their greens. I would appreciate a strong statement of support from the Minister to the wonderful and proud people and families in Ballyfermot. I ask the Minister to use her office to empower them and support them in their lives.