I am committed to driving a modernisation and Digital First agenda across the entire Justice Sector and I particularly welcome the commitment set out by the Courts Service in its Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 – 2023, to maximise the use of digital technologies in striving to provide an improved and user-centred service. In the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020, Minister McEntee brought forward urgent legislation to enable the courts to operate remotely through the use of remote hearings and the giving of evidence using live video link. The Criminal Procedure Act, which was signed into law by the President on 24 May, 2021, provides, for the first time in Irish law, for preliminary trial hearings. These hearings have the potential to bring huge improvements and efficiencies to our criminal justice system – real progress that will be felt by all parties including victims, juries and defendants.