Vol. 541 No. 4
385 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that data surrounding the granting of custody of children is still not collated by the court service or his Department; his views on whether there is a need to change this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22803/01]
386 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases which were brought before the courts in each of the past five years under the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964; the number of cases where custody of a child or children was granted to mothers; the number of cases where custody of a child or children was granted to fathers; the number of cases where joint custody was granted; if he has plans to amend the existing legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22804/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 386 together.
The compilation of court statistics is a matter for the Courts Service, which has responsibility for the management and administration of courts and for the provision of information on the court system to the public. I no longer have direct responsibility for such matters. However, I can inform the Deputy that statistics relating to custody matters for the year 2000 are included in the annual report of the Courts Service which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Furthermore, I understand from the Courts Service that statistics for previous years are available on request. Family law is kept under review in my Department and I will be happy to consider any suggestions which the Deputy has to make.
