Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I concur with what has been said. The Minister indicated that he will accommodate Members. There should be a system in family law whereby cases are heard in private and where nothing said in evidence could be used to identify parents or children. On occasion, there may be certain individuals involved who would be anxious to get certain matters into the public arena because of the discord that has arisen between parties. However, this should not be allowed.

Another point I wish to put to the Minister — it does not relate to the Bill but rather to this specific issue — relates to the failure to provide adequate accommodation for family law hearings. In my constituency of Wexford, people are obliged to stand on the stairs of the county hall while waiting for their family law hearings. Other cases, including criminal cases, are heard at the same venue. These people's privacy is being invaded. The number of family law cases has obviously increased since the legislation dealing with divorce, separation, etc., was introduced. It is important that we should catch up with the needs and requirements in the area in order to ensure that they are dealt with in a fashion which, on occasion, might assist reconciliation but which would not advertise discord.