Vol. 476 No. 2
96 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that people are on waiting lists for mediation services for up to nine months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6847/97]
I have taken steps to ensure that the staffing situation in the Family Mediation Servicie is put on a proper footing in order that the problems attaching to the long waiting times for appointments with the Family Mediation Service can be resolved and that appropriate staffing structures are put in place to enable the Family Mediation Service to develop and expand into a nationwide service capable of providing quality mediation. With the appointment of suitably experienced and qualified mediators to the new positions of area mediation co-ordinator in Dublin and Limerick it is now possible to proceed with the recruitment of mediators at those locations. As Deputies will be aware the positions have been advertised and the selection process will take place soon. These appointments, when coupled with the proposed private mediators schemes, should enable the Family Mediation Service significantly to reduce the current waiting times for an initial appointment with a mediator.
