I agree with the Deputy and I pay tribute to the remarkable service provided by the Family Mediation Service. Having seen that service in operation and heard of the work that is being done I was tremendously impressed. It is regrettable that the service is largely confined to Dublin. However, so great is their reputation that many people avail of the service from as far afield as Cork and Galway.
I cannot say exactly how the structure will evolve. As the Deputy is aware, there are other voluntary groups doing some very important and valuable mediation work. In addition, there are quite a number of professional mediators. Many of them charge very high fees, and run that service on a strictly commercial basis. Ultimately there will have to be a judicious mix between the State and the voluntary services. They also have a very important role to play. If divorce is introduced we will need a contribution from both sectors.
The nucleus established by the Family Mediation Service is very valuable. For example, there are in-house training courses for mediators. I have discussed with the service the potential of their operating as a nucleus to expand that service to other parts of the country. They indicated that they would be very happy to do so and have the requisite expertise to do so. We are extremely lucky to have them. I cannot say exactly how the service will work out. Much will depend on the availability of resources. It is my intention during the year to endeavour to ensure the maximum possible resources and to plan their best use. Whether the service should be preserved, without any charge in all cases, or whether there should be a fee charged to enable the service to be expanded, will have to be examined. I can see both sides of the argument.