Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The case the Deputy referred to is a difficult one. These are difficult situations. We wish to see the child being put at the centre of proceedings. It is important that the needs of the child are considered. Situations, such as those mentioned by the Deputy, where children are taken out of school do not sound like a good situation for any child to be placed in.

I have asked my officials to prioritise this action in respect of the family justice strategy, which is to support children and includes as a priority an action to examine the role of expert reports in the family law process and make recommendations regarding their future application and function. The action will consider the commissioning and the availability of these reports, including their contents and future use. I have asked my officials to prioritise this undertaking. The Deputy has raised this issue with me. As I said, this work will be led in early 2023 by the Department of Justice, working closely with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. It is envisaged that the recommendations arising from the examination will enable the system to clearly hear the voice of children to ensure they are supported in their own right and that their safety, security and best interests are paramount and that they are not allowed to be used as pawns in what can be difficult and acrimonious situations.

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