asked the Minister for Justice if he accepts the need for reform in the court procedures for dealing with family disputes, as opposed to the mere establishment of a separate family court using existing procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Family Disputes Court Procedures .
2.
: I refer the Deputy to my reply to parliamentary questions on family law and court administration on 27 October 1977 in the course of which I referred to the role of the Court Rules Committees and of the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure in relation to the review of court procedures.
I am, of course, in favour of improvement of procedures and I believe that significant improvements are attainable but I must make it clear that this does not mean that procedural changes can be rushed. Proper procedures play an important part in ensuring that justice is done in what are often situations of conflict and I believe it is essential that all proposals for improvement should be very carefully scrutinised before being implemented. It is for this reason that I intend to await, in particular, the views of the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure.
I have already informed the House that the committee were reactivated some time ago by the appointment of new members to replace members who for one reason or another were no longer in a position to act on the committee.
: Accepting that we are on common ground that new procedures are necessary, when does the Minister anticipate there will be any steps taken in this direction? Does he accept there is some degree of urgency in tackling this problem?
: I accept that, but I would refer the Deputy to my reply. Even though these changes are necessary, as I said they cannot be rushed for obvious reasons, as the Deputy will appreciate, and I propose waiting for the views of the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure. They are aware of the importance of what is involved and they also know that I am waiting on them.
: Can the Minister give any indication when the report will be to hand?
: Not formally, but I did hear indirectly that it will not be too long. I hope it will not. As soon as I hear from them I will start taking whatever steps are necessary.