Mr. Gordon Jeyes:

I know the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, is committed to a family court system and I am glad to hear that he intends to bring forward proposals later this year in that regard. I have sat in court and I do not believe family circumstances are best judged by which lawyer makes the best argument at a particular time. It is not an issue of guilt or innocence but rather an issue of repairing damage. People should sit around a table under judicial direction, as there are serious issues at stake. It is not beyond our wit to agree such issues. The guardian ad litem system needs urgent reform and the trend is out of control. They have an important contribution to make but we need greater regulation, role clarity, purpose and function.