Legal services legislation backlog
Deputy Ó Caoláin raised delays in progressing legislation, especially for the legal services reforms and other uncommenced laws. The Taoiseach said he would inquire and examine the wider scale of unfinished commencement work across Departments.
I join others in wishing the Taoiseach the very best. We had the opportunity to serve as respective leaders in opposition. Despite the fact that we have very different political outlooks, on a personal level I have always found him to be a gentleman to deal with.
On the processing of legislation, there is a very serious problem because of the backlog of legislation, particularly in the committee system. This is a serious matter, not only in the case of Government legislation but also especially in the case of Private Members' legislation. The issue has been highlighted before, but there is one area that I want to bring to the Taoiseach's attention in his last days as leader and Taoiseach that he might be able to address. During the years legislation has been passed in this House particular sections of which have not yet been signed into active law. It is a major problem that particular sections of legislation that has passed through all Stages have yet to be properly acted on by the respective Ministers. I will reflect on one of the more recent Acts, but there are others on which I could reflect going back a number of years. I refer to the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 which governs a raft of matters of particular concern and interest in the justice area. There is a need to set clear timeframes for the delivery of all the remaining provisions of that Act which have not been implemented.
Comment on this
I will quickly say the introduction of a more transparent legal costs regime, the establishment of the role of practicing barristers, the introduction of a new public complaints regime and the appointment of the legal practitioners disciplinary tribunal are all functions of the newly established Legal Services Regulatory Authority. Will the Taoiseach inquire when these provisions will be signed into active law?
Comment on this
I will inquire about this. It is not just a case of them lying there. There are matters to be attended to before they can be signed off on. I will get back to the Deputy. Let us have an analysis of the entire scale, not just in the Department of Justice and Equality but in other Departments where legislation dealt with has not been commenced.