asked the Minister for Justice if consideration will be given by his Department towards the setting up of family courts or family tribunals which would provide a unified and integrated jurisdiction for the hearing of all family law disputes.
Written Answers. - Family Law Proceedings.
132.
The Law Reform Commission has indicated that it will examine the matter of family courts. My Department will consider the matter in detail when the recommendations of the commission have been received.
That apart, I should like to point out that the concept of family courts is achieved at present by having exclusive family law hearings and in certain cases, purpose built courtrooms. More informality in all family law proceedings is required by the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act, 1989. That Act also provides for the use of counselling and mediation.