Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators Rabbitte, Cathal Byrne and Nicole Ryan for their contributions. I am very pleased there is agreement that the Bill should pass through Seanad Éireann. Everyone recognises that appointing extra judges will have an impact in increasing efficiency and speeding up cases. I listened very carefully to what my colleagues had to say.

In response to Senator Ryan, it is important to acknowledge that the administration of justice operates effectively in Ireland every day. I do not accept that the system is not working. It is working. Obviously, it could always work more efficiently and more resources could be put into it but on a daily basis throughout the country in our District Courts, our Circuit Courts, our High Court and indeed our Court of Appeal, there is justice being administered.We all want to ensure there will be a reduction in delays. However, when it comes to criminal prosecutions, it is inevitable that an element of time will be required for the making of a complaint by a complainant, the investigation and taking of statements by An Garda Síochána, the transfer of a Garda file to the DPP, assessment by the DPP and the preparation of a book of evidence, and the serving of it on the person accused of the indictable offence. That all takes time. I fully appreciate how important it is to ensure victims of criminal offences get their cases heard and have the prosecutions brought before the courts promptly. However, I also have an obligation to ensure people charged with a serious criminal offence have fair trial. In order to do so, it is important they are given the full documentation and that fair procedures apply in the prosecution of the trial. Senator Ryan will agree with me about that. It means there will always be an element of delay, or what may be categorised as delay, but there has to be thorough preparedness in putting a prosecution before the courts to ensure individuals can be prosecuted effectively and because they have a right to a fair trial.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I have listened to what colleagues have to say. I will be back here again shortly for Committee and Report Stages of the legislation. I thank colleagues for their support.