Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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325. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if amendments are expected from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in respect of the Judicial Council Bill 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23386/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Judicial Council Bill completed Committee Stage in the Seanad relatively recently. A number of amendments to it were made at that Stage, the most significant of which relate to sentencing guidelines. The Government has now given approval for the drafting and moving of additional amendments to the Bill which will address the recommendations contained in the Second and Final Report of the Personal Injuries Commission insofar as personal injuries guidelines are concerned, and which will provide for the establishment of a Personal Injuries Guidelines Committee. My intention in relation to the Bill is to introduce those amendments during the course of this month for consideration at Report Stage in the Seanad.

I am committed to securing the enactment of the Judicial Council Bill before the summer recess and, with the cooperation of Senators and of Deputies, I believe that this will be possible. It is a matter for Senators and Deputies to consider which, if any, additional amendments they wish to table to the Bill.