Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Senator Mulcahy on his contribution yesterday and hope it leads to some change in that area. Speaking as a member of the legal profession who practised family law, as did the Leas-Chathaoirleach, I can say that sometimes even when one uses the courts system, abuse of it can take place, particularly in respect of the prolonging of litigation and proceedings. I have seen situations where family law cases have gone on for 12 years. Some 25 court orders later, the case goes to the Supreme Court. There are a number of cases going to the Supreme Court with long delays and it is just a protracted exercise. It is something at which we need to look. In respect of family law and domestic violence, it is very easy to criticise a Minister for Justice and Equality.