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Proposed Legislation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004

Tuesday, 30 November 2004

Questions (381)

Denis Naughten

Question:

435 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 1055 of 29 September 2004, if he will report on the issue; the plans he has to introduce a family law Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31133/04]

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Written answers

As stated in my previous reply, a range of issues was discussed with this group, which represents unmarried and separated fathers. I will list the developments that have taken place.

In accordance with a commencement order, SI 544 of 2004, which I made on 20 September, section 40 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, which deals with proceedings heard otherwise than in public, will come into operation on 31 March 2005. The issue of enforcement of access rights was raised with the Garda authorities and it has been confirmed to me that it is being addressed by the Garda Síochána.

I recently established a working group to examine the current level of legal fees and costs arising in civil litigation and the system and arrangements in place relating to the taxation of costs The group is due to report to me by the end of April 2005.

With regard to the recording of family law proceedings, the position is that the question of audio taping cases in the Circuit Court and the District Court is being examined at present. While this project will be focused initially on criminal cases in the Circuit Court and Central Criminal Court, the question of family law cases will be examined in conjunction with this project. Recommendations requiring legislative change made by the group will be looked at in the context of a family law Bill which I hope to introduce during 2005.

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