Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Clare Daly that this is depressing. I said last week that it feels as though we are living in the Dark Ages. We have heard the presentations but it could be 50 years ago. It is hard to believe this is going on in this day and age. I cannot imagine what that is like for the families and children who have to go through that trauma.

We could spend the morning talking about various different issues. We are living in the Dark Ages. Why are we still in that position? Why are we not up there with other countries? A part of me knows the answer but another part of me would like to hear some of the witnesses' opinions as to why we are stuck in this awful place.

The area Dr. O'Shea is talking about is one in which I have a strong and specific interest. I work with families on addiction issues and the related trauma. We do not work with the person suffering from addiction, only their families, and we can prevent a family going down the route of courts through the work we do in empowerment.

For example, one woman had left her home because of her son's violence. She came to us and as a result of her getting a good understanding of how to cope with it, she has now moved back in. It is amazing what one can do. I am sure Dr. O'Shea is aware of that.

I am also aware of, say, bad therapists and bad mediators.