Ivor Callely
Question:10 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the waiting period for persons availing of family mediation services in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8851/96]
Written Answers. - Family Mediation Services.
Brendan Kenneally
Question:14 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to extend the family mediation services beyond Dublin and Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8847/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 14 together.
The family mediation service of my Department is a professional confidential service which enables couples who have decided to separate or who have already separated to negotiate their own separation agreement with the help of a trained mediator, without resorting to adjudication through the courts. All issues are included in the negotiations, such as ongoing parenting of the children, the family home, family finances, pensions, property and any other issues relevant to the separation.
The current waiting period for couples availing of the family mediation service in Dublin is approximately 14 weeks. I believe that measures currently being taken to develop the service and the development of a network of private mediators will bring about a substantial improvement in that position.
As part of a programme for development and expansion of the family mediation service, two new posts of area mediation co-ordinator are being created, one for the existing family mediation centre at the Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin and one for the new centre at Mill House, Henry Street, Limerick. The official opening of the new premises at Limerick is scheduled to take place later this month. Applicants for these positions will be sought through a competition to be organised by the Civil Service Commission. The persons appointed from this competition will be responsible for delivery of a quality mediation service, with the assistance of a team of mediators, each for his or her own geographical areas of responsibility.
The appointment of area mediation co-ordinators will facilitate the establishment of a scheme for the use of mediators in private practice, who have the necessary training and experience and otherwise meet the standards set by the family mediation service, to provide family mediation at locations distant from a family mediation centre.