Vol. 430 No. 7
10 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Justice her views on whether a strong case exists for the designation of particular members of the Judiciary to handle family law cases; whether such members should have special training; the plans, if any, she has to introduce special family courts; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As the subject of family courts is one which is at present under examination by the Law Reform Commission, I will await the final recommendations of the commission on family courts before I decide whether I should take an initiative such as that suggested by the Deputy. I could not be expected to indicate in advance what particular policy I might adopt. Any proposals I have will be brought before the Government for approval and will be announced in the ordinary way.
Is the Minister of State aware of the commitments in this regard in the Programme for Government? Would the Minister agree that certain members of the Judiciary are unsuitable to hear family law cases and have a very low regard for the whole family law area? Would the Minister agree that in line with the recommendation of the all-party Committee on Marital Breakdown we need specially trained members of the Judiciary to hear family cases only?
I am aware of the commitment referred to by the Deputy. I do not think it would be proper to comment one way or another on the sensitivity or otherwise of certain members of the Judiciary. The matter is before the Law Reform Commission for consideration. We expected their consultation paper last year but this did not arrive. We have been in touch with the commission and expect to have this report shortly. We are awaiting it with interest.
Will the report deal with family matters or will it deal with the training of judges generally?
The Law Reform Commission in its annual report indicated, in relation to its work, it will consider the question of the training of judges. We await its observations in that regard with interest.
