Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Mediation is an informal and voluntary process. It is better that the Bill remain silent on the question of representation at mediation and leave it to the skill and experience of the mediator to manage the process. Either party may withdraw from the mediation process at any time. We do not want to create a legalistic process or necessarily require joint sessions to be held, or to create this paraphernalia around the mediation process. That is why the Bill seeks to remain silent and seeks to use the experience of the mediator to find solutions, but in the knowledge that anyone can always have a person who represents them and that anyone can withdraw from the process at any stage. We are not being prescriptive and I believe that is the correct approach. I am not disposed to accept the amendment.

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