Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 977: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 435 of 30 November 2004, if he will report on the issue; his plans to introduce a family law Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25132/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Subsequent to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 435 of 30 November 2004 which addressed the issues raised by the group in question, I have made the following regulations and orders under section 40 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, which relates to court proceedings heard otherwise than in public.

I made regulations under section 40(3) specifying three categories of persons who would be allowed access to family law cases for the purpose of preparing and publishing reports. These are family mediators, researchers and persons engaged by the Courts Service, subject to compliance with the conditions laid down in the regulations. These categories are in addition to barristers and solicitors, who are already specified in the Act. It is a requirement under the Act that the reports do not contain any information which would identify the parties or any child to which the proceedings relate.

I made an order under section 40(4) which lists persons to whom copies of orders or extracts from orders in family law cases can be given, subject to a requirement of confidentiality. I made orders under section 40(6) and section 40(7) prescribing the non-statutory bodies to which, and the matters in respect of which, documents, information or evidence can be given for the purpose of conducting hearings, inquiries or investigations.

Recommendations requiring legislative change which were made by the group will be looked at in the context of a family law Bill which I hope to introduce next year.