James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter relating to dedicated family law courts. He is certainly correct in that family law deals with very sensitive issues, often involving children or strenuous circumstances of extreme stress, and people deserve privacy, which in turn provides people with dignity in dealing with their very sensitive matters of family breakdown. That is why we are progressing distinct family law courts, as the Deputy has recommended, and I understand where he is coming from on this issue. When I practised family law in the old Wexford courthouse, there were the consultation rooms and in between them there was a queue for the motor tax office. That is how bad and insensitive it was, although we now have a lovely courthouse in Wexford.

I certainly hear and understand the Deputy's concerns and can assure him distinct family law courts are a priority for the Minister and me.

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