This week's budget had a clear focus on Brexit. The cost of insurance is another threat to the viability of many small businesses, community festivals and - increasingly - charitable organisations. Earlier this week, I dealt with the case of a small business that employs approximately 20 people and has seen its insurance premium increase by 150% from €19,000 to €49,600. This money has had to be paid to ensure the business will not have to close. This increase will have ramifications and consequences for hours of employment. I have mentioned one of the many cases that are coming up all over the country. The President signed the Judicial Council Act 2019 on 23 July last. Will the Tánaiste give the House an absolute guarantee that the judicial council will be established and will be up and running by the end of this calendar year? This is necessary to enable it to do its work, which involves addressing awards in this jurisdiction.

We share the concerns outlined by the Deputy regarding the cost of insurance for many businesses, particularly in certain sectors where there are issues with personal injury claims. The Chief Justice outlined in a speech last week that he wishes to have the judicial council in place before the end of the year, subject to conditions, including the necessary resources, being right for its establishment. In this context, I am pleased to see that €1 million has been provided for the judicial council in the budget for next year. We hope it will be in place by the end of the year, with the necessary financial resources also being in place for it to function next year.