Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. Like him, this is an issue that has come to my door as a TD for many years, since I was first elected. Families will always come who are going through a very difficult situation. With these structural changes, I hope to provide a less adversarial approach and, where it is not possible to remove that, the structures to support families to get the right outcome so that children are not caught in the middle. It is about making sure children's voices are heard, that they are able to understand what is happening, and that they are spoken to in language that is appropriate. That is where training comes in, as well as the new courts system.

At present, there are situations where people go to court and do not know when they will be heard. The next family sitting might not be for a few months. It prolongs things if their case is not heard. This new structure will ensure there are dedicated family courts, with dedicated family court judges who are specifically trained in, and only focused on, family law matters. In itself, that will ensure, as regards any member of the Judiciary a person is going before, that such a member is there, wants to be there, and is focused on and trained in family law. That is very important.

Separate from that, investment in the mediation system is very important. Many cases should not be going to court. A lot of issues can be resolved before that. The minute a matter goes to court, it often becomes more adversarial and this is a key component of the overall reform.

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