Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 1995

Vol. 457 No. 7

Written Answers. - Family Mediation Service.

Colm M. Hilliard

Question:

133 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when the family mediation service was established; the number of cases the service has handled each year; and the funding that was paid to the service for each year since 1990 or since its establishment. [15966/95]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor):

The numbers seeking assistance from the service fall into four main categories and details in relation to those categories in respect of the years 1986 to 1994 are contained in tabular form beneath. Details of funding of the service for 1986 to 1995 are also set out in the table.

Year	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994
Expenditure	£70,000	£107,000	£103,000	£98,000	£111,000	£119,000	£116,000	£123,000	£150,000
Inquiries made (one spouse)	125	453	476	499	509	626	619	668	629
Couples given appointments	100	283	282	288	241	315	361	441	444
Couples who kept 1st appointment	76	222	209	207	187	236	285	336	312
Agreement Completed/ Returned to Marriage	27	132	142	139	120	124	187	174	209

Note: The amount allocated to the Service for 1995 is £300,000.