asked the Minister for Justice the Government's intentions regarding the continued provision of a mediation scheme such as that established under the pilot mediation scheme which commenced in July 1986; and the plans, if any, to expand the scheme in light of the extra demand for mediation services which will arise when the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989, becomes operative.
Written Answers. - Mediation Scheme.
51.
The Family Mediation Service was established in Dublin in July 1986 to operate as a pilot scheme for a three year period.
On 8 June 1989 the Taoiseach indicated that the Government had decided to maintain the existing service and to expand it to other parts of the country as resources permit. It is too early at this stage to say what effects the Act in question will have in relation to the scheme but, in any event, expansion of the scheme will have to await the availability of resources.