Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Gogarty. It is correct to point out that when most people access the courts it is probably through the family court system. Most people stay away from the courts and it is only because of circumstances that force them before them because of family law issues that they have to engage with the courts. I have received a report on the in camera rule. I do not think we will be able to completely remove it. It is always going to be the case we are going to have to protect the identity of certain individuals and children before the courts. I want to see a much better environment for the hearing of, and determination of, family court hearings. At present the facilities are not good enough. There is a family law implementation group that is going to seek to implement the statutory policy set out in the Family Law Act. That is doing a lot of work at present.

I hear what the Deputy says about the reports as well. They are contentious and controversial, but we have got to identify some mechanism so the voice of the child can be heard in family law proceedings.

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