Vol. 573 No. 3
564 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legislation or other proposals he has to strengthen the position of the female spouse in regard to settlements on marital break-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24852/03]
The existing legislation as contained in the Family Law Act 1995 and the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 enables the courts to make a range of orders providing for ancillary relief in judicial separation or divorce proceedings. As regards separation agreements between the parties, the provisions of the Acts relating to pension adjustments do not apply and I intend to address this issue in a forthcoming Family Law Bill. The provisions in existing legislation apply equally to men and women as will those I am preparing.
