A bill to allow judges recalibrate compensation awards has been passed by the Seanad.
The aim of the Judicial Council Bill is to provide for the establishment of a Judicial Council and provides Sentencing Guidelines for Judges for the first time.
However, the bill also provides for the establishment of a Personal Injuries Guidelines Committee to develop the relevant personal injury guidelines for appropriate damages for various types of personal injuries.
Minister of State Michael D'Arcy, who has responsibility for insurance reform, welcomed the passage of the bill through the Seanad.
He said the proposed guidelines will effectively supersede the Book of Quantum, which currently specifies award levels, and described it as an important step in bringing the levels of personal injury damages awarded more in line with those in other jurisdictions
The Bill also provides for the establishment of a Judicial Conduct Committee which will facilitate the investigation of allegations of judicial misconduct.
Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile said amendments to the bill would mean "fairer, better, stronger & more transparent sentencing".
An amendment from Independent Senator Lynn Ruane to require the Justice Minister to review all mandatory, minimum and presumptive sentencing policies was also passed.
