Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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91. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the outcome of the referendum on Friday 4 October 2013 which established provision for a new Court of Appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45979/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Following the successful outcome of the referendum on the proposed Thirty-third Amendment of the Constitution (Court of Appeal) Bill I will shortly bring forward an "Implementation Bill" that will deal with many practical issues in regard to the new Court of Appeal, such as the formal establishment and membership of the Court of Appeal, the appointment of judges, the organisation of the Court, and provision for the office of Registrar of the Court, among other issues. It is planned that the Bill will be enacted during the first half of 2014 and that the new Court of Appeal would be up and running in the new law term next Autumn.

My Department will be working closely with the Courts Service during this process and I can advise that an Implementation Committee has been established by the Courts Service which includes representation from my Department. The Committee, which has held its first meeting, will examine and make recommendations in relation to all aspects of administrative support for the new Court, such as organisational structure, staffing, accommodation, ICT systems and facilities, and rules of court to regulate court procedures. The aim is to ensure that the required accommodation, structures and systems are in place in time for the establishment of the new Court of Appeal.

The current level of delay in the Supreme Court of four and a half years is unsustainable for individuals and businesses seeking to pursue important appeals. The establishment of a Court of Appeal provides a long-needed reform of our courts system. It will have significant benefit for individual citizens, but will also maintain the internationally recognised standing of Ireland as a competitive and efficient economy in which to do business.