Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
297. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional services and resources she plans to provide the Dublin District Family Law Court in Dolphin House to ensure that these courts may operate and function effectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36983/14]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions; this includes the provision of services to and the management of the resources of the Dublin District Family Law Court in Dolphin House.
The position is that the Courts Service continuously works to support the judiciary and assist in so far as is possible and appropriate, within the terms of its mandate, in ensuring that cases are dealt with as effectively and as speedily as possible. Available resources and operational and organisational structures are under ongoing review to ensure that resources are targeted and focused on keeping waiting times in the provision of services to a minimum. Every effort continues to be made by the President of the District Court, in the allocation of judicial resources, to ensure that delays in the hearing of family law cases and cases involving domestic violence, in particular, are kept to a minimum. I have been assured by the Courts Service that the accommodation requirements of the Family Law District Court in Dolphin House are kept under review with a view to providing improvements in family law facilities in Dublin in the medium to long term.
As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits the Government to significant reform of the courts, including the establishment of a separate family law court structure that is streamlined, more efficient and less costly.
A consultation process was initiated with interested parties in relation to the reform of the family court system and work is underway in my Department to prepare legislative reforms to give effect to this commitment. This significant initiative, in tandem with other reforms such as the introduction of a Mediation Bill, which will promote mediation as a viable, effective and efficient alternative to court proceedings, will ensure that our family court system works efficiently and effectively to meet the modern day requirements of the system.
