Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 April 2021
119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 751 of 28 July 2020, if the recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality report on reform of the family law system have been given further consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21043/21]
View answer120. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she has given further consideration to the implementation of recommendations 9, 11 and 36 of the Report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality on Reform of the Family Law System; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21044/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Family Justice Oversight Group established by my Department in September has as its aim the development of a high level vision for the future of family justice in Ireland. The work of the group is complemented by the recommendations in the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality on reform of the family law system. These recommendations are being taken into account by the group with the ultimate aim of agreeing a strategy for a modernised family justice system, in parallel with the enactment of the forthcoming Family Court Bill.
As part of its work, the Group is currently engaged in a consultation process whereby relevant stakeholders and all who engage with the family justice system, including children, will have an opportunity to inform the Group’s work. I expect to announce details of the public consultation element of this process shortly.
Parallel to this, the General Scheme of the Family Court Bill provides for the establishment of a District Family Court, a Circuit Family Court and a Family High Court as divisions within the existing court structures. It is proposed that judges will be appointed on a full-time basis to both the District Family Court and the Circuit Family Court for renewable terms of 3 years.
With regard to the specific recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee referred to by the Deputy, one of the areas being considered by the Group is additional training for those working within the family justice system that would benefit all those who engage with the system. As part of the General Scheme of the Family Court Bill, specialist knowledge and ongoing professional training in the area of family law would be required to be appointed as a Family Court judge.
I have noted the Committee’s recommendation on the topic of parental alienation and my Department will shortly be undertaking some research on this. The outcome of that research will inform future decisions on whether any additional policy or legislative measures are considered appropriate in this area.
