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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 4

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Marital Breakdown White Paper.

Seán Barrett

Question:

15 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice when he intends to publish the White Paper on marital breakdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A comprehensive interdepartmental review of developments in the area of marital breakdown is nearing completion. The outcome of that review will be reflected in a White Paper which will be published shortly by the Government.

Is the Minister aware that those who are keenly interested in the production of a White Paper on marital breakdown are puzzled by the long delay in publication? Will the Minister agree that a substantial amount of work was done by the Oireachtas committee on this topic and the long delay in publication of this White Paper is unjustified? Is the Minister considering the area of family support in addition to providing divorce here?

I do not accept there has been a long delay. This is a very complex area and I was greatly helped by the work which had been done by the Oireachtas committee. I can assure the House that an enormous amount of work has already been completed. For the information of the House the stage which we are at essentially involves drawing all the various strands together and ensuring the White Paper represents a considered, balanced and comprehensive approach to the myriad of complex issues with which it deals. I fully acknowledge the benefit I have gained from the work done by the Oireachtas committee. I am not in a position to give a precise publication date just yet, but I am hopeful that the further time that we need to finalise the contents of the White Paper will not amount to any more than a matter of a few weeks.

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