Ms Caroline Counihan:

I would endorse what Ms Ahern has said. She is absolutely right. Information about what services are available is very important for everybody who is involved in the justice system to have, if not in their heads then at least readily available to them. They must also ensure, as far as possible, that what they are talking about is appropriate to the situation. In the context of the criminal justice system, the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act refers to specialist support services. It refers to information about the appropriate kind of service, if not a single service. It is very important that those who work in the Courts Service and lawyers who regularly deal with family law cases at least have an idea of where to go to find out information or who to go to for a decent referral for a particular therapist, for example.

On the question of therapists being in court on the day, I am not sure if that is necessary. It is much more important that all of the professionals have an understanding that every child is an individual and may need individually tailored supports in order to have his or her voice heard and to have a menu of options available.