Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the House to address the serious situation regarding family law courts, or the lack thereof? This problem has been raised with my office in the past three months. Unfortunately, divorce and separation occur and the incidence is increasing. However, people have had to travel from all over Ireland, the UK and the United States on numerous occasions for such cases only to find that the cases are adjourned or there is no judge available. People have been obliged to take weeks holidays from work. It is also giving rise to costs, inconvenience and anxiety.

People in the legal profession are aware of the situation. The Circuit Court might be sitting for four days but only one day might be scheduled for the ever increasing number of family law cases. People are powerless to do anything about it. Are the courts or the judges listening? People are being caused serious distress and the House must try to address the situation. I am aware of one person who has come from the United States on three occasions for a family law case. It is a separation case and such cases can sometimes be better dealt with outside the court. However, this case has been adjourned on three occasions and the person cannot believe it. When they see the legislation in place in the UK and the United States, they consider Ireland to be in the Dark Ages when it comes to family law. The Minister should come to the House to address this outrageous situation.