David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his response. Does he accept that one in every six marriages ends in divorce? Is he concerned about the number of families, marital and non-marital, which break down? What is his Department doing to promote positive family development and family values? He has told us his views on the reasons behind the increase in family breakdown. Does he agree that more research needs to be carried out into the issues behind family breakdown and barriers to new family formation, and has he any plans in that regard? Has he carried out any research into the impact on children of family breakdown?

Is the Minister aware of the criticism of Barnardos and its assertion that early intervention and prevention is essential to address family problems? Many families accessing such services through the Family Support Agency and the Health Service Executive experience delays. The approach seems to be one of intervention rather than prevention so will he take action in that area? Is the Government concerned at the number of lone parent families with children under 20, which increased by 82% between 1995 and 2004, according to the Central Statistics Office report, Measuring Ireland's Progress 2004?

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