Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

Deputy Higgins' amendments, Nos. 20 and 22, deal with this issue also, probably in a more detailed way. However, I support those of Deputy Shatter. Disputes of the kind in question are rare but, when they occur, they can be quite traumatic. According to the most recent estimate I saw, unless one has approximately €10,000 to engage quickly in court proceedings to decide on an order — they are not always granted — concerning whether a child can be taken out of the country, one is better off proceeding on foot of legislation such as that proposed. The process would be much less expensive and more orderly and one would not be subject to the type of trauma usually associated with a last-minute dash to the courts. Since it is so expensive to go to court, one never sees a lone parent doing so. They simply have not the finance to afford expensive legal advice. It is better to make provision in this regard in the legislation, such that all parties could benefit therefrom.

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