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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 4

Written Answers. - Family Mediation Service.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

202 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the places where family mediation services are available; if it is proposed to extend this service in view of the introduction of divorce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1424/97]

Family mediation is available from two centres operated by the Family Mediation Services of my Department. One is located at the Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, the other is located at Mill House, Henry Street, Limerick.

As part of a programme for development and expansion of the family mediation service, two new posts of area mediation co-ordinator have been 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. Competitions to fill these posts have been held under the auspices of the Civil Service Commission and an appointment has been made to the Limerick post. I understand that an appointment to the second post in Dublin is imminent. The persons appointed 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 or to relieve pressure on the centres at Dublin or Limerick. The allocation of cases to private mediators would be done through the family mediation service.

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