Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I am around long enough to remember when courthouses were the responsibility of local authorities, which did not really want them. Courthouses were run down because of the lack of finance and resources going into them. There are many things we could vote against or criticise but this is constructive and positive. It is important to separate out family courts. This is a very good start. We have been waiting far too long. We know the background to the proposed building on Hammond Lane. This is most certainly a start. We need to see it expanded to other areas. Even if only interim arrangements are made in other areas, it is important to have that separation because it is daunting for anyone to have to go into a courthouse. When family court issues are separated out, it is a far better experience for people who are going to find the experience difficult anyway. We will be supporting this legislation.

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