I propose to take Questions Nos. 618, 683 and 684 together.
In conjunction with the Courts Service, my Department is taking steps towards establishing the 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.
In follow-up to the relevant recommendation of the Cost of Insurance Working Group chaired by Minister of State Michael D’Arcy TD, the Council will also include a Personal Injuries Guidelines Committee. This Committee has been mandated by the Oireachtas to prepare a draft of the personal injuries guidelines within 6 months of its establishment by the Council. Those guidelines will then have to be adopted by the Judicial Council which, under the terms of the Act, will be independent in exercising its functions.