I can confirm that recently I responded to correspondence received from the chairperson of the organisation referred to. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases which have been or may be before the courts. The Deputy will appreciate that it is outside the scope of my official functions as Minister to give legal advice and that, as the courts are independent in the exercise of their functions, I cannot intervene in any way.
In so far as the hearing of family law business generally is concerned, I might mention that a sub-committee of the Courts Service Board has been established to review the current procedure and manner in which family law is dealt with by the courts and to make recommendations to the board in relation thereto. If, arising from the work of this sub-committee, which is ongoing, the board decides to make formal proposals to me in relation to legislative change or any other matters which may lie within my area of responsibility as Minister, I will, of course, give such proposals my full consideration.