Ms Helen Coughlan:

In practical terms, it is a matter of resources. If a family can afford an expert report, they will get it. Such reports cost in the region of €3,000 or €4,000, in my experience. The latest legislation allows for €250 for the preparation of that report but I cannot see any expert doing it for €250. In practical terms, it depends on the judge of the day and whether he or she wants to hear the child. In general, if the judge has the facility to have an expert elicit the child's view, in my experience he or she will use it.