Mary Henry (Independent)

I move amendment No. 39a:

In page 23, between lines 10 and 11 to insert the following:

"(5) A court hearing proceedings under a relevant enactment shall, on its own motion or on the application of one of the parties to the proceedings, have discretion to order disclosure of documents, information or evidence connected with or arising in the course of the proceedings to third parties if such disclosure is required to protect the legitimate interests of a party or other person affected by the proceedings.".

I thank the Minister for his comments on Committee Stage which suggested he would accept this amendment. It is tabled because there can sometimes be some urgency with these cases. It would be a great pity if due to delay in going to another court the Garda Síochána for example, or schools, or those minding children were not informed of the judgment that had taken place in the family law case. That is a greater concern of mine than the additional costs involved in going to another court. I hope the Minister has decided to accept this amendment.