Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
485. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the progress of the Family Courts Bill 2022; when he expects it to reach Committee Stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22419/23]
View answerAmong the key justice commitments in the Programme for Government is the commitment to, “enact a Family Court Bill to create a new dedicated Family Court within the existing court structure and provide for court procedures that support a less adversarial resolution of disputes”.
The Family Courts Bill 2022, which was published last December provides for the creation of new dedicated Family Courts as divisions within the existing court structures, with Family Court judges who will have specialist training and experience assigned on a full-time basis. The Bill is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas, having completed Second Stage in Seanad Éireann in February this year.
While scheduling of a Bill in either House is a matter for the Oireachtas, it is my intention that Committee Stage will progress later this year.
