Dr. Geoffrey Shannon:

This issue has been addressed in the Children and Family Relationships Act, and we saw recently regulations issued around the child view expert. I believe we need a similar prescription relating to section 47 reports. We need to ensure that those who prepare the reports are properly qualified. We need to set out the terms of reference for engagement. We need to set out a fee scale because the cost of these reports can be prohibitive. I am a passionate believer in access to justice and if someone is being charged between €2,000 and €3,000 to prepare a report, that automatically excludes a large cohort of the population.

That brings me back to my big-picture recommendation, which is to have a national home for all of these reports, whether it is in the public or the private sphere. That would ensure consistency and a rationale for the appointment of an expert, having regard to the case that is before the court or administrative body.