Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister and his officials are very welcome to the Chamber. The Bill will be supported by Fine Gael Members. I am here on behalf of Senator Ward, who cannot be present. I will not speak for too long because my voice is almost gone as well. I welcome the Bill. As Senator Gallagher said, it is important legislation that is coming through to speed up, in a timely manner, court proceedings. Everyone is aware, whether it is themselves or people they know, of those who have had to go through the courts where it has taken quite a long time. That can be very costly. It can also cause an awful lot of stress for people and families. That has never been the intention but we need to speed the process up. The Department, the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy McEntee, have been very clear about trying to get more judges and speed up court cases. That has been happening over recent months. I suspect it will continue to happen while the Government remains in place. This is important legislation. I am sure we will get to debate it even further on Committee Stage.