Written answers

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Department of Justice and Equality

Courts Service

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

663. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the work of her Department in proposing reforms of the family law courts; and if these reforms will be progressed through legislative amendments or a referendum. [29960/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits the Government to significant reform of the courts, including the establishment of a family law court structure that is streamlined, more efficient, and less costly. The Government has approved, in principle proposals for reforms to our courts structures in this context having regard to Constitutional requirements.

My Department initiated a consultation process with interested parties in relation to the establishment of family law courts and in that regard hosted a seminar in July 2013 to discuss how such courts might operate. An eminent judge from the Australian Family Court attended the seminar and shared experiences of their system. The outcome of the seminar will feed into the process of designing the most appropriate model of family law courts for Ireland and this is currently under consideration in the Department.

My Department is currently developing a strategy to support the major reform project which this proposal entails and this will include a process of consultation with the judiciary and all relevant stakeholders on all matters including the necessary courts infrastructure and facilities. Central to the reforms of course will be the adoption of the necessary legislative measures to deal with all relevant family law matters including the functions and jurisdiction of the family court. I can inform the Deputy that I intend to publish an outline of the necessary legislation before the end of 2014.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.