Vol. 569 No. 3
389 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if video links are available to the family courts in order that children can express their opinions as they are entitled to under the Children Act 2001; and his views on the fact that psychologists' reports are not a satisfactory substitute, especially since the psychologists supplying reports are not available for cross examination. [17711/03]
Earlier this year, I announced the establishment of a committee to examine the potential of video-conferencing technology in regard to the conduct of criminal and civil trials. I have asked the committee, which is chaired by Mrs. Justice Denham of the Supreme Court, to examine and report on the extent to which video-conferencing technology has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the conduct of criminal and civil trials, and to identify the administrative, legislative, technical or other measures necessary to realise this potential.
