Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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96. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to Denmark's formal recognition of parental alienation; if any lessons can be learned from their approach in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26127/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025 set out a commitment to undertake both a public consultation and independent research on the topic of parental alienation. The findings of both were analysed, and arising from this, the Department developed a policy paper on how to address the issue.

Both the paper and the report recognised that parental alienation is a highly contested and divisive concept. While there is little concrete information on the exact extent of accusations of parental alienation within the Irish courts, the research report found that, similar to other courts internationally, there appears to be increasing claims of parental alienation in family law proceeding. Its incidence appears to arise particularly in custody and access disputes and in cases which involve allegations of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Despite the highly contested nature of the concept, there was consensus in the public consultation that the means to address parental alienation lie in improvements to the Irish family courts and family justice system. Reflecting this consensus, the policy paper put forward six recommendations to address the issue of parental alienation, which are also linked to actions within the Family Justice Strategy. They centre on progressing elements of family justice reform, building the system’s capacity to adequately hear the voice of children, and improve the knowledge, skills and experience of all those involved in order to make the best determinations in relation to each case on its own merits. This is especially important in high-conflict cases, in which allegations of parental alienation can often arise. These recommendations, and the plans for implementation were accepted by Government and are currently being progressed by my Department.