Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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266. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a timeframe for her Department to finalise proposals to establish a new family court structure, as promised in the programme for Government; when these proposals will be brought to Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17680/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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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 position is that my Department is currently finalising proposals for future legislation based on submissions which have been received in relation to the Family Court and ongoing consultations with interested parties. I intend to bring proposals to establish the new Family Court to Government as soon as they are finalised. The draft General Scheme of the Bill will then be subject to the usual pre-legislative scrutiny by the Justice Committee.