Seanad debates

Wednesday, 2 October 2024

Family Courts Bill 2022: Committee Stage

 

10:30 am

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

I take on board what the Senator has said. There is a separate body of work that the family justice strategy is looking at and, as part of that strategy, a review is beginning this month of the in camera rule specific to family law proceedings. While the intention is perhaps not specific to the point referenced by the Senator, I think it is all one and the same. Where abuse continues to happen and the in camera rule stops that abuse from becoming public, whether it is domestic violence or other types of abuse in relationships, that then translates into the family courts. The feedback I am getting from many of the organisations and families is that the abuse is continuing because of the in camera rule and the inability to publicise this. There is a space for both of these to fit together, in particular as the review is starting this month, and then to see where it fits into this piece of work. We will certainly take it on board and come back to the Senator on it.

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