Fine Gael Cork East TD, and Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee David Stanton, has welcomed today’s publication of the Court of Appeal Bill 2014 by Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald TD.

“I am very pleased to see the Court of Appeal Bill published today by Minister Fitzgerald, giving effect to the vote of the Irish People in the referendum of last October.

“Our Supreme Court is currently overwhelmed with appeal cases and waiting lists are too long. Without this positive move, it could have taken years for some of these appeals to be heard.

“This new legislation will ease the burden on our courts and ensure we have a justice system that is fit for purpose, serving the needs of the people. It is crucial that any individual appealing a ruling from the High Court can expect to have the issue resolved within a reasonable timeframe.

“It is planned that this legislation will be in place before the Dáil summer recess and I look forward to contributing to the Bill when it comes before the Oireachtas Justice Committee.”