Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 October 2023
179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent, if any, to which any current court expert witnesses might exert any undue influence on the role, scale and scope of the expert witness in the context of the ongoing review of the family law courts; her proposals, if any to address any issues arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44461/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently leading an ambitious programme of family justice reform, including the publication of the Family Justice Strategy and the Family Courts Bill 2022. The Strategy puts children at the centre of the system, and emphasises, amongst other things, the need to ensure they are listened to and heard and their views and best interests given due regard, in line with constitutional rights and obligations.
To that end, my Department has commenced a review to examine the role of expert reports in private family law proceedings, their commissioning, availability, content and use. The review is at an advanced stage and is progressing well. As with any consultation process, stakeholders views will be considered in the review. My officials have engaged with various stakeholders throughout the review process, among them members of the Family Justice Implementation Group, judges, the Children’s Ombudsman and NGOs. Practitioners who produce expert reports have also been engaged with.
Officials will, in accordance with the Department's values and their obligations as civil servants, ensure that their work on the review is not subject to undue influence, is impartial, professional and evidence-based and has due regard to the public interest, and in the context of issues under consideration, has particular regard to the interests of children.
