Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the witnesses for their presentation. Will the witnesses elaborate on the Cafcass system and what is involved? Does it resemble legal aid or is it more advocacy and support? Much of One Family's work is focused on trying to keep people out of court and work through situations as best they can. Are there still shortfalls in how civil legal aid is provided to families in this situation?

It is worth remarking that the cut to the one-parent family payment and the changes in eligibility were among the most appalling measures taken by the previous Government. Will the witnesses comment on this? Single-parent families generally tend to be some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised economically and socially in many ways. Do the witnesses see this cut and change in eligibility having an impact?

Unless I am mistaken we have child contact centres, because I was in one in Togher in Cork. It is run by a family centre. I cannot quite remember the name of the facility. From my understanding it is the same thing. It is a beautiful, well appointed and very comfortable facility. The manner in which contact is observed is discreet and well done. I very much see its value and it is well worth supporting. We often discuss the best interests of the child, and rightly so. The family is an element of this, not in any way that trumps the best interests of the child but helping parents to be the best parents they can be in the difficult situations they are in and assisting them is in the best interests of the child. Do the witnesses see a role for family resource centres and other such facilities in managing and facilitating contact, such as takes place in child contact centres?