Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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Before I move on, I welcome Emmett Creighton, Marcus Halliwell and Terry Anderson, guests of our good friend, Senator Davitt. They are all involved in the property and auctioneering business. They are very welcome. I hope they enjoy their visit here today.

We also have students from St. Mogue's National School in Cavan, guests of Deputy Brendan Smith. I hope they, equally, enjoy their visit here today. As is customary here, there will be no homework for the rest of the day.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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When is it proposed to take Report Stage?

Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)
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Now.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?

Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)
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Now.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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Is that agreed? Agreed.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Seanad for the efficiency with which it has dealt with this matter. We had a debate here last week on Second Stage and there were very useful contributions from many Senators. The support for the Bill is evident from the fact that there have been no amendments put down on Committee or Report Stages. I acknowledge the co-operation and support that has been given to the Bill by colleagues and party spokespersons across the House.

As Senators will be aware, the purpose of this Bill is to provide, by amendment to various Courts Acts, for an increase by 21 judges in the maximum number of ordinary judges in the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the Circuit Courts and the District Courts. The Bill also provides for amendments to the Child Care Act 1991, the Family Courts Act 2024 and the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.

Having brought the Bill before the House, the Government is satisfied that the additional judicial positions are warranted to address the current demands being faced by the courts and to improve efficiencies across all our courts, providing support for our judicial system and increased access for citizens who seek access to the law. The amendments to the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and the Family Courts Act 2024 will provide for the more efficient operation of those Acts when fully commenced. I commend the Bill to the House and thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and all Senators for their support.

Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)
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I too welcome to the Seanad this afternoon Councillor Áine Smith, students from the school in Bawnboy and our other guests. I hope they all have an enjoyable afternoon.

I give credit to my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, who is setting the place on fire with his speed of movement in terms of activity in his Department. I acknowledge that and all his staff who work so hard alongside him. I am delighted to see this legislation coming through. The appointment of additional judges is vital because when people seek justice through our courts, it is important there is an avenue available to them, without delay. It can be very stressful for people to go to court. They are all geed up and for many it is traumatic and disappointing when the case they are involved in is pushed back by six or 12 months. The Minister also alluded to two amending Acts.

I am delighted this legislation has come through so swiftly. We in Fianna Fáil are delighted to see it proceed.

Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)
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I echo what Senator Gallagher said in congratulating the Minister. Having 29 more judges appointed to our courts system will be welcome. The work burden on judges is ferocious and there is a backlog in certain types of cases. I commend the Minister on this prudent and badly needed legislation. As my colleague said, the Minister for Justice is a very hardworking Minister. I wish him success in his brief. He is certainly getting a good handle on it.

I welcome Councillor Áine Smith, who I know well, and all her friends, as well as the students and teachers. I also welcome my friends from daft.ie, who the Leas-Chathaoirleach also mentioned.