Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is well aware that concerns have been expressed about the substantive provisions in section 5 by family law practitioners, particularly practitioners who work in courts where issues concerning children are raised. I am very glad to see this amendment put forward at the behest of the Children's Rights Alliance as it gives the necessary criteria to a judge in making a decision as to whether the press shall have access. I am aware that practitioners, particularly outside of Dublin, are concerned that notwithstanding the very carefully drafted provisions, there might still be sensitive material that ultimately is identifying of a child or of parties to proceedings that could still be published. The Minister, as a very experienced family law practitioner, is well aware of that.

The amendment greatly improves the situation by making express provision that the views of parties, or of any child to whom proceedings relate, is capable of forming their views will be taken into account.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh:I have no major issue with the amendment. Perhaps this is the right place to mention the recently launched report by Women's Aid to the Minister because it mentioned the facilities at Dolphin House. In many cases the women who attend Dolphin House seeking barring orders, etc., find the experience incredibly intimidating due to its retrograde facilities. Prior to a hearing women must sit straight across from the person they are seeking the barring order against in the waiting area.

We can take into consideration this type of an amendment. However, we must also take into consideration the facilities that are available in order to ensure that the amendment can be lived up to in practice. The report by Women's Aid, and the testimony given on the day of its launch, was a damning indictment of the situation in Dolphin House. Perhaps the Minister will comment on the matter. Does he intend to improve the facilities?