Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again raise the continued and questionable use of the concept of family or parental alienation in family law, and the extent to which it militates against the interests of mothers, some fathers and, in many cases, children. The Minister has been very helpful in outlining her proposals for the future in that respect. I respectfully suggest that the pseudo concept of parental alienation be abolished from family law cases, that the suitability of professionals offering expert evidence be restricted to those who are professionally qualified and that all reports emanating from them under sections 47 and 32, etc., should be challengeable in court and questionable in all instances. I also suggest that Tusla would continue to have an influence in the welfare of children in such cases. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise the matter.

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