Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Again, the overall objective here is to make sure that where it is appropriate in the case of maintenance or other matters that a decision can be taken by the judge but also by the practitioners, where there is agreement. If it is to be at the District Court, that can be with the agreement of the practitioners, the people involved, and the judge. At the same time, if it is not appropriate, a decision in that regard can be taken as well. In terms of the jurisdiction for all three, the intention is not that everything would start in the District Court, in particular if it is not the appropriate place for it.