John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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228. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking to accelerate the process of establishing the judicial council in order to protect voluntary and community groups from rising insurance costs and subsequent closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38780/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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In conjunction with the Courts Service, my Department is actively engaged in assisting with the establishment of the independent Judicial Council by the end of this year. This includes considering the practical arrangements for staffing and accommodation, which will need to be put in place before the Judicial Council is established.

The relevant Orders to commence the Judicial Council Act 2019 are expected to be made later this year.

The issue of awards in personal injury claims is being dealt with within the framework of the Judicial Council Act 2019. This landmark Act provides for the establishment of a number of committees including a personal injuries guidelines committee, which will be assigned the function of compiling guidelines for appropriate general damages for various types of personal injuries.

The measures included in the Judicial Council Act constitute an element of a wide range of actions undertaken by Government to mitigate the costs insurance companies impose on consumers.