Chief Justice Frank Clarke has been forced to defend the independence of the new judicial council committee in the wake of Government commentary in recent weeks.

Thousands of jobs could be lost in the next six to eight months unless Irish rules on minor injuries insurance claims are brought in line with the rest of Europe.

The final cost this year of providing direct provision accommodation for asylum seekers will be up to €60m over budget – almost double the original allocation set for 2019.

There is “no single policy or legislative initiative” that the Government can take to make insurance providers cover Irish leisure, tourism and adventure operators, according to the minister for state with responsibility for financial services and insurance.

The tide appears to be turning on fraudulent and exaggerated personal injury claims, an issue that has contributed to a huge rise in insurance premiums for businesses, home owners, and motorists.

Leading insurance broker for small businesses, CFM Insurance Group, wants the Government to overhaul the current system governing minor injuries awards.

A survey has found that small businesses and charities have seen an average increase of 200% in their insurance costs over the last five years.

Government plans to cut the amount being paid out for personal injury claims have been rejected.

Legislation allowing judges set guidelines on personal injury awards in line with other countries should be in place by the summer, the minister in charge of insurance policy says.

The United Nations has called on Ireland to boost staffing at the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit, saying there are only three members attached to it.

We have a free legal aid system and because those who represent criminals are assured of payment they are happy to put forward a case on the criminal’s behalf. 

The establishment of a new Court of Appeal marks the "most important development" in the structure of the courts since the foundation of the State, the Chief Justice said yesterday.

The chief justice has called for a radical overhauling of the way in which judges are appointed, warning that “political allegiance should have no bearing on appointments.”

THE country’s leading legal think-tank has advised that judges be allowed powers to set minimum jail terms for offenders given a mandatory life sentence for murder.