Earlier this year, the Judicial Council Bill was passed. It provides for sentencing guidelines in legislation for the first time, something that was long demanded by organisations representing the victims of crime and that was secured by Sinn Féin. Recently, there has been some discussion on preparation work for the personal injuries guidelines committee. This is welcome because the business community and voluntary groups are feeling massive pressure from runaway premiums, but surely the victims of crime also deserve some urgency to ensure that the question of inconsistent and inadequate sentencing is dealt with. What preparation is taking place to ensure that the relevant sections of the Judicial Council Bill are implemented and when will the sentencing guidelines committee be ready to meet and prepare guidelines?

The Deputy is correct that the Bill was passed in the early summer. Since then, there has been considerable activity ensuring that the sections were appropriately commenced. I expect the council will be established and in place by the end of the year, which is in a few weeks. On the committees, some work is taking place in parallel. I expect that all aspects of the council will be firmly in place by next year.