Vol. 397 No. 9
63 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a decision regarding the future structure and operations of the family mediation service, arising out of the report which he received from the committee in September 1989 containing recommendations for setting up such a permanent structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The State family mediation service was set up in July 1986 as a three-year pilot scheme and the steering committee of the service have submitted their report to me on the effectiveness of that pilot scheme. In the light of experience and the knowledge gained from the operation of the pilot scheme I consider that a number of wider issues need to be examined before decisions are reached on the long-term future of the service. To assist me in this matter I propose to appoint a committee to examine all the various possible options — having regard, among other things, to such matters as mediation services provided privately, quality of service, geographical distribution, cost-effectiveness, etc. — and to advise me accordingly. I will then put proposals to Government in the matter.
In the meantime there is provision in the 1990 Estimates to allow the family mediation service to continue in operation in its present form.
