David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State referred to the Courts Service identifying a space in Youghal Town Council to which people can go on any Friday if they need assistance. Reference was made to court users preferring to have their issues dealt with at a main centre rather than locally. However, people are being asked to go to a very public place to deal with a most intimate matter. The woman who contacted me said she was in no fit state to get a bus and try to navigate around the city. When her relationship ended, she was in so much debt because of her partner's behaviour, she did not have the money for a bus fare. Even if it was only €5, she did not have it.

This is an issue on which the Minister really must engage with the Courts Service. I was Minister of State in the Department of Justice and Equality long enough to know about the separation of powers and all of that. The Minister should have a chat with people in the Courts Service. Perhaps they will meet with the Deputies from the constituency and explain the rationale for the decisions made. That has not happened in this instance. It has happened in the past when this kind of thing went on, which was very useful. People are concerned and worried about this, as are the practitioners who are using the service, as Deputy Sherlock noted. This is taking away a very important service from people, especially vulnerable people. Very little notice was given and very little rationale was offered. An ad hocservice has been put in place that requires people to check whether there is somebody there to help them and to line up with other people on a Friday to access the service, or else to attend the family law office in Washington Street. It is just not on.

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